Naval Warfare

Navy splits major information warfare post across three new directorates

The move follows a similar one by the Air Force nearly two years ago.

By Mark Pomerleau on May 26, 2026 2:55 pm
Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew E. Bell, fire controlman, mans a SPY-1B(V) radar console in the Combat Information Center aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh. Shiloh is participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (Photo by: Lt. j.g. Nelson H. Balido)

WASHINGTON — The Navy has disestablished its information warfare (IW) directorate, realigning its functions across the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Effective today, the Navy eliminated the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, also known as N2N6.

“This realignment is only possible because of the fundamental mindset shift that resulted across the Navy in recognition of IW as a critical warfighting domain at all levels of warfare,” the Navy’s administrative note read.

Under the new organization, the Navy is establishing three organizations to support the various IW functions previously under N2/N6.

First is the establishment of the Director of OPNAV Intelligence Division (N2), which will be led by Steve Parode, most recently the deputy director of naval intelligence and a retired rear admiral with a career in intelligence. This new division will have four branches: N21, Fleet Requirements; N22: Threat Analysis; N23: Global Intelligence Operations and Engagements, and N2T: Strategic Integration.

The second change will be the establishment of Assistant DCNO (ADCNO) for IW Requirements and Capabilities, or N6N9C, led by Jennifer Edgin, who was most recently the deputy N2/N6. This role will serve as the top advisor to the chief of naval operations for information warfare policy and matters related to IT, space and cyber, while simultaneously serving as the Department of Navy deputy chief information officer.

Third is the establishment of Director for IW, or N99, led by Rear Adm. Susan Bryer Joyner. This role will be the point for information warfare requirements and resource sponsorship for the entirety of the Navy’s IW portfolio comprising comprises tactical warfighting intelligence programs, electronic warfare, cyber, networks, space, oceanography, meteorology, positioning, navigation, and timing, Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3), and Maritime Operations Center and Maritime Headquarters Staffs.

The N99 will have six branches: N99C, C3 for Tactical and Enterprise Networks and NC3; N99E, Oceanography and Navigation; N99P, IW Resources and Manpower; N99Q, Intelligence Capabilities; N99W, Integrated IW Fires; and N99X, IW Future Capabilities.

The move follows the trend of other services, such as the Air Force, which split up a similar intelligence and networks posting in 2024.