U.S. Navy Activates First Information Warfare Squadron

The U.S. Navy has officially activated its first information warfare squadron, known as Information Warfare Squadron Two (IWRON Two), as part of an initiative to enhance intelligence and cyber capabilities for carrier strike group commanders. This development is a key component of a pilot program approved in June 2023, which aims to establish two information warfare squadrons on both the east and west coasts over a span of 48 months.

The new squadron is designed to streamline the collection and analysis of intelligence, integrating expertise from various naval commands to bolster operational effectiveness. At the helm of IWRON Two is Capt. Jon O’Connor, who took command during a ceremony held on December 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Virginia. The squadron includes personnel from multiple naval entities, including the Navy Information Operations Command, Naval Information Warfare Training Group, Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, Strike Group Oceanography Team, and the Fleet Intelligence Detachment DC.

Transforming Information Warfare

The establishment of IWRON Two marks a significant shift in the Navy’s approach to information warfare, according to Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza of Naval Information Forces. He emphasized that the traditional disparate capabilities of information warfare will now be unified under a single command structure. “For too long, information warfare has been a collection of vital but often disparate capabilities. Today, we change that,” Vernazza stated.

The new squadron is modeled after successful operational strategies implemented by destroyer squadrons and air wings. The integrated approach aims to deliver advanced information warfare capabilities as a cohesive force across various conflict scenarios. “We are employing information warfare warfighting effects in a way that has never been demonstrated before,” Vernazza added. “To achieve outcomes we haven’t seen, we must implement strategies we haven’t pursued. This is one of them.”

The second information warfare squadron is set to be established on the West Coast within the next year, further expanding the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its information warfare capabilities. This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the critical role that information and cyber warfare play in modern military operations, positioning the Navy to respond more effectively to evolving global threats.

As the Navy continues to adapt to the challenges of the 21st century, the formation of IWRON Two represents a proactive step towards leveraging technology and intelligence in a more integrated manner, ultimately enhancing the operational readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. fleet.