News

In May, the NIP Board unanimously approved the nominations for Colonel Aaron Tooke, USMCR and Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret) Scott Stalker to join the Board, representing our U.S. Marine intelligence professionals.

Major General Melvin “Jerry” Carter has been nominated to be promoted to Lieutenant General and assigned as the Marine Corps’ next Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI). If confirmed, Carter will be the fourth DCI since the position was established in 2017.

The Office of Naval Intelligence’s Lieutenant Commander Dane Holtmeyer took action, literally, to raise money for this year’s Naval Intelligence Officer Dining-In—by soliciting pledges* for the Nashville Country Music Marathon he was planning to run on 27 April 2024.

Lou Conter passed away on 1 April 2024 in Grass Valley, California. He had been an eyewitness to key events during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. From his enlistment in 1939 to retirement in 1967, he rose in the ranks from apprentice seaman to lieutenant commander. He stood the watch and persevered in our nation’s crises, giving all of us an example “to always do our best at all jobs” when our nation calls. He is one of many intelligence professionals who leaves us a rich legacy of service and model to follow. 

The Secretary of Defense announced that President Biden has nominated Rear Admiral Mike Vernazza to be promoted to Vice Admiral and assigned as the next Commander, Naval Information Forces.

On Thursday, 25 April 2024, 80 Naval Intelligence professionals gathered for the annual NIP Red Tie luncheon at the Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to recognizing this year’s Red Tie Award winners—Mr. Michael Borland and Lieutenant Commander (Ret) Terry Wilton (posthumously)—the event featured our new Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence (DDNI), Mr. Steve Parode, as the guest speaker, who knocked it out of the park with his remarks.  

Congratulations to Mr. Mike Borland and LCDR (Ret) Terry Wilton (posthumously) for being selected as this year’s Red Tie Awardees.

Will Wilburn became the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest intelligence general officer when was promoted to brigadier general by Lieutenant General Dimitri Henry, Director of Intelligence, Joint Staff, on 15 March at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico. Brigadier General Wilburn is currently assigned as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force ARES and Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Marines). Prior to his promotion, Wilburn was the Director of Plans and Strategy, Joint Task Force – ARES, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.  Congratulations Brigadier General Wilburn!

On 22 March 2024, ONI celebrated its 142nd anniversary and presented its annual awards to deserving sailors and civilians. NIP Chair VADM (Ret) Bob Sharp was there to present the NIP-sponsored awards. 

On Friday, 1 March, Rear Admiral Joshua Himes, Vice Director for Intelligence on the Joint Staff, was the guest speaker for the USNA “Burn Bag Lunch” at Grace Hopper Hall.

Rear Admiral Mike Brookes, commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, outlined his strategy for ONI to deliver maritime decision advantage to warfighters across the globe during his remarks at the AFCEA WEST 2024 Conference on Feb. 13, 2024.

On January 12, the DCNO for Information Warfare, Naval Intelligence Professionals, and AFCEA International co-sponsored the 2024 Navy Information Warfare Industry Day at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Campus East in Springfield, Virginia.

Naval Intelligence Professionals (NIP) is a tax-exempt educational and charitable Foundation. Through the Rear Admiral Sumner Shapiro Scholarship Program, NIP recognizes future leaders who’ve exhibited exceptional potential to contribute to naval intelligence and related national security goals.

On 7 December, the Naval Intelligence Officers’ Dining-in made a one-time excursion from its usual October D.C.-area convening, and it was a rousing success. The new Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis, Maryland provided a beautiful venue for the event, which drew a crowd of 161 participants, to include six master chiefs, a strong showing from our chief warrant officers, and all 11 U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen who were recently selected for intelligence (1830). 

Mr. Steve Parode assumed responsibilities as the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence and Director, Naval Intelligence Activity in November. He is also the acting DNI until Vice Admiral Karl Thomas arrives.