Okano Takes Over NAVWAR After Small Retires

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) confirmed its new chief, Rear Adm. Seiko Okano, following Rear Adm. Doug Small’s retirement.

The change of command happened Aug. 9 at NAVWAR’s San Diego headquarters. Okano takes command over more than 11,000 personnel and will oversee Project Overmatch, the Navy’s secretive multi-domain technology initiative likened to the Manhattan Project.

Okano served the past four years as a program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems in the Navy. Previously, she served operational tours aboard the USS Belleau Wood and as a flag aide with the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet in Okinawa, Japan. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, she assisted with defeating radio-controlled improvised explosive devices.

Additionally, Okano has also served several tours in acquisition, chiefly in California.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime to lead this exceptional organization, one that stands the watch day and night for our Navy’s Information Warfare capabilities and fights every day to ‘own the domain,’” Okano said. “We are living in a time where information dominance is critical to national security. In this dynamic environment, our mission is clear: to deliver and sustain superior Information Warfare capabilities, enabling our Navy to fight and win in the information age.”

Small served in the Navy for 40 years and had received the Distinguished Service Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the NAVWAR team. As NAVWAR commander, Small accelerated and led the delivery of better capabilities and leading-edge technology to the Navy.

“I want to say thank you to the entire NAVWAR workforce. We’ve been through a lot together, and it’s been my honor to have served as your commander,” Small said. “Be proud of the amazing work you do here and keep holding onto the mission together. You will be in good hands with Rear Adm. Okano, and I can’t wait to see what else you all will accomplish.”