SAN DIEGO — The Pacific Naval Information Warfare Center, in partnership with AFCEA International San Diego, held the 10th Annual Machine Learning Naval Applications Workshop March 2-5, 2026 in San Diego.
NAML 2026 brought together nearly 800 experts to advance machine learning in support of warfighter capabilities and address naval technology priorities.
Nicole Isoda, co-chair of NIWC Pacific NAML 2026, emphasized the importance of the workshop. “Our agenda represents what matters to the warfighter with more than 200 talks, posters, tutorials, and demonstrations in applications such as robotic and autonomous systems, human-machine teaming, and trust and assurance in artificial intelligence systems. NAML provides a venue for collaboration and engagement with end users, stakeholders, and policymakers across government, academia, and industry research communities to enable the effective application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to naval operations.”
“Autonomous and robotic systems are redefining the modern battlespace, and machine learning is the engine that powers them,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Andrew Privett, Navy Chief Technology Officer for Robotic and Autonomous Systems Portfolio Acquisition. “Events like NAML enable us to not only advance algorithms, but also rapidly integrate trusted, mission-ready AI into systems in the field. Our responsibility as acquisition leaders is to remove barriers, align resources, and deliver capabilities to fleets at operational speed.”
Founded by NIWC Pacific in 2016, NAML has grown into a four-day defense artificial intelligence forum that brings together mission-focused collaborations across government, industry, and academia.
NIWC Pacific leads a technology program for classified and unclassified exchanges focused on low data, low power, and artificial intelligence for safety-critical environments. Through NAML and related partnerships, NIWC Pacific accelerates innovation to maintain the Navy’s information warfare advantage.
For more information, please visit https://naml2026.org/. For media inquiries, please contact Darian Wilson, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, at (619) 306-8663 or mailto:darian.l.wilson.civ@us.navy.mil to request an interview with a NIWC Pacific or NAML subject matter expert. To download the text file for this press release, the NAML 2026 logo, or other images from the event, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NIWC-Pacific.
As part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Pacific conducts research, development and engineering of integrated command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber and space systems across all warfighting domains. The center will also provide rapid prototype creation, testing, and engineering support during acquisition, installation, and operation.
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