The creation of IWRON 9 follows the stand-up of the East Coast pilot unit, Information Warfare Squadron Two, in December 2025. Navy officials said the new structure is designed to provide carrier strike group commanders with a decisive advantage in an evolving threat environment.
“This is a pivotal moment in our journey to operationalize Information Warfare.,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, commander of Naval Information Forces. “Why are we doing this? The answer is simple: the proliferation of technology and the global evolution of threats is not standing still. The pacing threats we face are increasingly complex, sophisticated, and integrated. They understand the power of information, and they are actively seeking to exploit our vulnerabilities from seabed to space. To maintain our warfighting edge, we must think, act, and operate differently. We must evolve.”
According to the Navy, Information Warfare Squadrons are tasked with delivering offensive and defensive information warfare to enhance strike group lethality and survivability. The squadrons will assure command and control, provide battlespace awareness and integrate fires on behalf of the Strike Group Commander.
“The IWRON construct, modeled on the proven successes of our Air Wings and Destroyer Squadrons, is a revolution in command and control,” Vernazza said. “It streamlines the chain of command, aligns warfare commander authorities, and consolidates responsibilities under a single, accountable commander. This isn’t about bureaucracy; it’s about speed, agility, and decisive action in the face of evolving threats.”
Capt. Edward McLellan assumed command of IWRON Nine as the squadron was established. He outlined the unit’s focus on integrated training and operational coordination across multiple commands.
“In order to meet the challenges of the contemporary and future combat environment, we will train as an integrated team, leveraging the capabilities of the Carrier Strike Group and its assigned units, the Fleet Maritime Operations Centers, National, Joint, and Combined capabilities in order to deliver lethality and survivability to the Carrier Strike Group Commander.” McLellan said. “We will execute tasks supporting all of the Warfare Commanders, and will in turn leverage the combined strength of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group team.”
Vice Adm. Vernazza also emphasized the collaborative structure of the new squadron. “This squadron is a testament to the power of collaboration. We are bringing together the best and brightest from across the IW community: the Carrier Strike Group staff, the Strike Group Oceanography Team, the Fleet Intelligence Detachment DC, the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, the Navy Information Operations Command, and the Naval Information Warfare Training Group. These talented professionals, leveraging the existing direct support model, and augmented with additional expertise, will form a force multiplier unlike any we’ve seen before.”
The Navy said the establishment of Information Warfare Squadron Nine reflects an evolution in naval operations aimed at strengthening maritime dominance. Naval Information Forces, or NAVIFOR, is responsible for generating combat-ready information warfare forces to ensure the Navy can deter, compete and win.
