Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro reflected on his tenure and accomplishments in support of the Naval Education Strategy, and the strategic importance that the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) plays in cognitive readiness, innovation, and addressing national security challenges, during a virtual address to NPS students, faculty, and staff, Jan. 15.
As an NPS alumnus in Space Systems Engineering, Del Toro emphasized the importance of a robust educational framework to prepare future leaders for the Navy's evolving challenges. To this objective, he discussed ongoing efforts to advance relevant education, research and plans for the Naval Innovation Center (NIC) at NPS – a facility designed to foster collaboration between the Department of the Navy, the defense industry, researchers, emerging technology companies, and academic institutions to accelerate technological applications to warfighting needs.
“The NIC is designed to enhance and accelerate the innovation process for the Department of the Navy by transforming cutting-edge research concepts into operational capabilities faster,” said Del Toro. “The future NIC is a bold vision that will carry the Naval Postgraduate School and Department of the Navy well into the 22nd century.”
Del Toro stressed the need for incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare, and space operations into future naval strategies. He highlighted the importance of training and collaboration in modern warfare, which underscores NPS’ unique advantages – its proximity to Silicon Valley, its legacy in technical research, and its focus on advanced solutions for complex defense problems.
“The current global landscape underscores the need to strengthen our maritime dominance with new technologies and integrated training environments,” said Del Toro. “As we explore how to further expand our engagement with companies at the leading edge of technology innovation, the Department of the Navy recognizes a fundamental truth: true innovation begins with education.”
During the discussion, he noted numerous academic efforts from NPS that have been integrated throughout the Fleet. At the end of the discussion, students were presented with an opportunity to ask questions.
U.S. Navy Ensign Owen Barr, an NPS graduate student, thanked Del Toro and recalled when he spoke at the recent University of Michigan graduation where Del Toro was the commissioning officer for Barr and his peers, and was grateful for the opportunity to ask the SECNAV a question.
“NPS has given me the chance to not only absorb thoughts and insight from people from the highest levels of the U.S. military and government, but to have an open discussion with them as well,” said Barr, when asked about his thoughts on the event. “Being able to bridge the gap between a junior officer and the top of the chain of command is an invaluable experience I never expected to have more than a couple times, especially not so early on in my career.”
Barr wasn’t the only student present to have previous interactions with Del Toro and come forward with a question. U.S Navy Lt. Brandon Parmely, a Wayne E. Meyer Scholar and current graduate student in Space Systems Operations, a similar focus as Del Toro, was serving aboard USS Barry (DDG 52) when SECNAV visited Japan and spoke to the crew about the challenges he intended to tackle during his tenure.
“As a Surface Warfare Officer who studied under the Space Systems Academic Group at Naval Postgraduate School, Secretary Del Toro is an example of a successful senior leader that I am proud to emulate in my daily life,” said Parmely. “A path of successes is rarely a paved road but seeing that someone who was in my exact position years ago and has accomplished so much is inspirational.”
In closing, Del Toro expressed his confidence in NPS students as the next generation of leaders and critical thinkers.
“The mission of NPS is enduring,” he said. “The future of our Navy and Marine Corps, and indeed our nation, will be shaped by those in this room today.”
Del Toro’s virtual discussion reinforced NPS’ vital role in developing military leaders and advancing defense innovation, ensuring the Navy remains at the forefront of global security challenges. He leaves a legacy for the future driven by innovation, collaboration, and technological superiority, positioning NPS as a cornerstone of enduring maritime advantage.
"Among all of Secretary Del Toro's initiatives to advance our readiness, he also recognized that the human element is the decisive difference in the complexities of modern naval warfare," said NPS President, retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau. "By prioritizing investments in our educational institutions, he has set our U.S. Navy and Marine Corps on a good course to ensuring that our leaders are well-equipped to safeguard our nation today and the future of U.S. seapower and maritime statecraft for generations to come."
Read the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro’s full speech to NPS here.
