Speaker: 
Dr. Joseph Blau
Physics Department
Naval Postgraduate School

Lecture title:  High Energy Lasers: Prospects and Challenges

Lecture Abstract: 
Directed energy weapons, including high-energy lasers (HELs) and high-power microwave (HPM) systems, have the potential to dramatically alter the future battlefield, helping to address threats such as swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This talk will focus on HELs, discussing their advantages and limitations, potential platforms and missions, recent and current US Navy HEL programs, and ongoing research at NPS. 

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Joseph Blau received a B.S. in Physics from UC Santa Barbara in 1987, an M.S. in Physics from UC San Diego in 1989, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2002. He has worked at NPS since 1989, leading numerous research programs and educating hundreds of Naval officers on directed energy.

Over the past several decades, Dr. Blau has been involved in the design and modeling of laser weapons and their integration on Naval platforms. In recent years, his work has focused on experiments and modeling related to atmospheric propagation of laser beams, including underway experimental campaigns on Naval vessels. He also collaborates with NPS colleagues and researchers around the country on topics such as target lethality and modeling of laser weapon engagements. Dr. Blau is the lead or co-author on more than 50 publications and has advised more than 100 NPS students on their theses and dissertations. He is a co-recipient of the 2015 Directed Energy Award from the Association of Old Crows.

Full event details can be found on the EAG website at https://nps.edu/web/eag/seminars. 

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Flyer: view flyer

Designed to support OPNAV N72's force design efforts in developing the CNO's Hybrid Fleet concept, this wargame will include participants from NPS officer and faculty population, as well as OPNAV N72 staff. NPS officers interested in participating should contact LCDR Nathan "Nanny" Yavoich at nathan.p.yavoich@nps.edu

Dates: 3-5 December 2024
Location: STBL

RDML Hakimzadeh, Commander, CSG-2 is joined by CAPT Pledger (DESRON-22), CAPT "Starvin" Scott (CVW-3) and CDR Kevin Hoadley (CSG-2 N2) for this event

The "Ike" Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) engaged in combat operations in the Middle East region from November 2023 to June 2024, engaging dozens of one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), and uncrewed underwater vehicles.  One of the IKECSG keys to success was the effective employment of the Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) construct.  Hear from some of the CWCs responsible for the success of this pivotal deployment—a glimpse of future challenges that face US Naval power.

CWCs will be available for questions up to the TS/SCI level in the SCIF from 0930-1100 & 13-1500. USE QR Code above to sign up for a post- Seapower Conversation Discussion with your community!

To learn more about this deployment prior to the brief, visit Ike Carrier Strike Group and the Red Sea Crisis | Proceedings - July 2024 Vol. 150/7/1,457

Join our guests for a No Host Social in the Trident Room from 1530-1700

Seapower Conversation Poster.pptx

Graduation Ceremony - 2024 Fall Quarter | More information coming soon.