Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA 2024 Conference: Program & Speaker Lineup Announced

As the Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA (UMST) 2024 conference approaches, excitement is building for this premier event dedicated to hybrid fleet development.

Organized by SAE Media Group, UMST USA will offer a unique platform for industry leaders to exchange expertise and innovations. This year’s program will feature a brand-new Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) focus day, providing valuable insights from key figures driving advancements in hybrid surface fleets.

Taking place from September 23-25 in Arlington, Virginia, UMST USA 2024 will present a distinguished lineup of speakers. The conference will cover key topics including USVs, UAVs, UUVs, AI and autonomy, system testing and integration, acquisition timelines, and industry-military collaboration.

Vice Admiral James Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, OPNAV N9, and one of this year’s keynote speakers, highlighted the importance of collaboration at UMST 2024 in an interview with SAE Media Group; “We seek to partner with an industrial base that is ready, willing, and able. We also want our allies and partners to know we are open to collaboration, improving communication, and working together to address the challenges of operational integration and enable joint and combined hybrid fleets.”

UMST USA 2024 will feature over 31 confirmed speakers, including:

• Vice Admiral James Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, OPNAV N9
• Rear Admiral Eric Ruttenberg, Reserve Deputy Commander, United States Pacific Fleet
• Rear Admiral Buzz Donnelly, Director, Air Warfare Division, OPNAV N98
• Mr James Day, Deputy Director, Surface Warfare Division, OPNAV N96
• Commander David Edwards, N9 Technology and Innovation Director, U.S. Fourth Fleet
• Commander Dave Couchman, C-UAS Lead, OPNAV Disruptive Capabilities Office
• Dr. Kenneth Plaks, Director, Tactical Technology Office, DARPA
• Dorothy Engelhardt, Director, Unmanned Systems, DASN Ships
• Holli Foster, Chief Technology Officer, Task Force 59

Tickets are limited — click here to register.