Crane, IN – The Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Capability Gaps & Enabling Technologies 2024 Conference, held June 25-27 at the NSA Crane Lakeview Conference & Training Center, was a resounding success. With over 300 registrants, the conference brought together leading experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the defense and technology sectors to address critical challenges and advancements in electromagnetic warfare.
The three-day event, hosted by the Association of Old Crows (AOC), featured a robust agenda that included keynote addresses, technical sessions and panel discussions. The conference’s theme centered on addressing capability gaps and exploring enabling technologies in EW, a field crucial for maintaining national security and technological superiority.
Day One Highlights
The conference commenced with a networking breakfast and registration, setting the stage for a day of insightful presentations and discussions. Dr. Angela Lewis, SES, Technical Director at NSWC Crane, and Mr. Brian “Hinks” Hinkley, President of the AOC, delivered the welcome and opening remarks. The keynote address by Mr. Christopher Collins, SES, Executive Director of Developmental Test, Evaluation and Assessments at OUSD (R&E), highlighted the continuum of developmental test and evaluation.
Sessions throughout the day covered a range of topics, including EMS Warfare Applications by Mr. Marvin Potts from AFRL, and a panel on Trusted and Assured Microelectronics for EW chaired by Dr. Matthew Kay from NSWC Crane. The day concluded with a networking reception at Yogi’s Bar & Grill in Bloomington, fostering further collaboration and idea exchange among attendees.
Day Two Highlights
The second day began with a keynote by Dr. Paul Zablocky, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Multi-Domain Joint Operations, who discussed enabling maneuver through electronic warfare in contested EMSO environments. Subsequent sessions addressed cyber capability development, new photonic subsystems for EW and lessons learned from Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in the age of electronic warfare.
The day featured a mix of technical presentations and networking opportunities, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific challenges and solutions. The conference wrap-up reiterated the importance of ongoing innovation and collaboration in the field of EW.
Day Three Highlights
The final day, marked by top-secret/SCI sessions, included security training, a keynote by Mr. Logan Harr, Principal Director of Integrated Sensing and Cyber at OUSD (R&E) and discussions on artificial intelligence considerations for the EW test community. The conference concluded with a wrap-up session, underscoring the critical insights gained and the path forward for advancing EW capabilities.
Additional Information
Attendees were provided with a seamless conference experience, including shuttle services from Bloomington hotels, a continental breakfast and lunch each day. The event also featured a welcome reception sponsored by industry leaders such as L3Harris and Lockheed Martin.
For more information on the EW Capability Gaps & Enabling Technologies 2024 Conference and to access speaker briefings, please visit the AOC website or contact the conference coordinators at [email protected].
About the Association of Old Crows (AOC)
The AOC is an international professional association with over 14,000 members and 200 organizations engaged in the science and practice of electronic warfare, information operations, and related disciplines. The AOC promotes the exchange of information and advances in these fields to ensure global security and technological leadership.
Contact
Association of Old Crows
1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
703-549-1600
[email protected]
