AI War Push — Navy Hands Over $12B

The Navy just put a single official in charge of more than $12 billion in technology and artificial intelligence spending across the fleet and the Marine Corps.

Story Highlights

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao named M. Barry Tanner the permanent Navy and Marine Corps Chief Information Officer.
Tanner now oversees a $12+ billion information technology portfolio focused on data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
The move follows a new Navy strategy to “weaponize” data and artificial intelligence across operations.
Tanner previously served as deputy and acting chief information officer, guiding legacy system shutdowns and upgrades.

Navy Confirms Permanent Technology Chief To Drive Modernization

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao appointed M. Barry Tanner as the permanent Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Navy. The role covers both the Navy and the Marine Corps. The Navy said Tanner will advise the Secretary and manage the department’s information technology portfolio, which totals more than $12 billion each year. The announcement locks in leadership during a surge of projects that aim to secure networks, modernize software, and speed up data use in combat and daily operations.

The appointment adds a steady hand to a complex push already underway. Tanner has led as acting chief information officer since 2025 after serving as deputy. He also took the stage at major Navy and industry events to explain plans and timelines for change. That path fits a common pattern in federal tech leadership. Agencies often move from deputy to acting to permanent leaders to keep projects on track while larger changes roll on.

Why This Matters: Data, AI, And Cybersecurity At Scale

The Navy is linking Tanner’s role to a wider plan to make data and artificial intelligence core to how sailors and Marines plan, fight, and sustain the force. In July, the department approved a “weaponize data and artificial intelligence” strategy. The plan sets rules to get clean data, push smart tools to the edge, and protect systems from attack while decisions move faster. That approach aims to cut red tape, reduce tool sprawl, and shift spending to what helps missions most, from ships to shore commands.

These aims reach beyond buzzwords. Ships, jets, and bases all run on data that must be secure and ready. Leaders want fewer isolated systems and more shared platforms. That takes stable funding, clear rules, and a leader who can set priorities and say no when needed. The new chief information officer will connect those dots. The Navy says the portfolio spans cybersecurity, cloud services, software, networks, identity, and the data pipelines that artificial intelligence needs to work well.

Track Record: Shutting Down Legacy Systems And Guiding Upgrades

Tanner’s team has already started cutting old systems and moving functions to modern platforms. In February, he said the Navy had shut down more than two dozen outdated systems. He also identified hundreds more that need to be merged, rebuilt, or retired soon. That work saves money and reduces risk. It also makes it easier to share data across commands. Closing legacy systems is slow and hard, but each shutdown cuts the attack surface and supports future tools.

Earlier public profiles show how Tanner moved through key posts before taking the top job. He became deputy chief information officer in 2024 and stepped in as acting leader after a 2025 departure. He spoke often about the need to decide, optimize, and secure. Those themes match the new data and artificial intelligence plan that Secretary Cao signed this summer. The permanent role signals the department wants fewer pauses and faster follow-through on these lines of effort.

What It Means For Taxpayers, Troops, And Trust

Taxpayers care because $12 billion is real money, and waste in federal information technology is a long-running problem. The Navy’s choice sets up one accountable official to drive value and cut overlap. If Tanner shrinks the pile of old systems, improves cyber defense, and gets data to units faster, the return could be large. If not, the costs grow and the force stays stuck with fragile tools. Transparent measures and steady updates will show which way it goes.

Service members care because better networks and data save time and can save lives. Commanders need trusted information fast. Maintainers need clear parts data. Sailors need secure access that works anywhere. Parents and communities care because strong cyber and smarter gear help deter rivals and keep troops safer. The Navy’s new leader now owns the results. The job is not about fancy tech talk. It is about making complex systems simple, secure, and useful for the people who serve.