When the President and First Lady of the United States arrived at Naval Station Norfolk and embarked aboard USS George H. W. Bush to commemorate the Navy’s 250th Anniversary Sea Power Demonstration, global attention focused on the celebration of naval heritage and readiness. Behind the scenes, PEO Digital ensured the event was supported by modern, resilient connectivity across the pier and shipboard environment.

At the center of this effort was a PEO Digital-led Proof of Concept (PoC) effort to utilize existing Enterprise Pier Connectivity Architecture (EPCA) infrastructure. This rapidly maturing capability is designed to deliver modern, commercial internet to ships in port by leveraging existing enterprise fiber and wireless infrastructure. Working in close collaboration with Flank Speed Wireless (FSW) teams and shipboard IT personnel, the PoC provided the robust, high-bandwidth connectivity needed to support the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) throughout the Presidential visit.

In addition to supporting the Navy’s 250 th anniversary and the presidential visit, the Proof of Concept has since also supported the US Fleet Forces assumption ceremony aboard USS Harry S. Truman. Once again, the PEO Digital Global Piers Support (GPS) team was able to rapidly re-establish the shore connection ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday to use the shore fiber infrastructure connection to deliver internet and live streaming capability in conjunction with the FSW on board network.

Internet over EPCA (IoE): A Modernization of Shore Architecture to Deliver Immediate Operational Impact

EPCA was developed to extend mission system capabilities to Navy vessels while they are in port. PEO Digital has used this currently underutilized shore infrastructure to solve persistent challenges faced across Navy installations, addressing inconsistent pier connectivity, underutilized fiber, and fragmented modernization efforts. By unifying these initiatives and tapping into dormant enterprise fiber, PEO Digital designed a scalable architecture capable of delivering modern internet service directly to vessels at the pier.

In the months leading up to the Navy 250th event, the GPS team implemented IoE across selected piers by validating fiber paths, establishing a secure boundary with robust security measures in place, and integrating with shipboard teams to ensure readiness.

Utilizing the FSW environment, the IoE effort was able to deliver high speed internet using the established FSW on board network, it also allowed for an alternative signal path, saving utilization costs for satellite-based communications used while vessels are at sea.

These efforts paid immediate dividends. At Naval Station Norfolk, IoE successfully delivered high-bandwidth connectivity to the aircraft carrier, including a dedicated path that enabled WHCA to livestream and record the President’s remarks. The achievement was recognized by the ship and mission partners alike, underscoring IoE’s growing role as a cornerstone of fleet modernization.

“Delivering IoE under tight timelines showcased the team’s adaptability, technical discipline, and unwavering commitment to operational support,” said Tactical Edge Global Piers Product Owner for Digital and Enterprise Servies, Michael R. “Skip” Edwards.

FSW: Strengthening the Shipboard Digital Environment

While IoE served as the primary connectivity backbone for the event, FSW played an important supporting role in preparing the shipboard environment for modern digital operations.

Originally developed as Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore (SEA2), FSW was created to bring secure wireless capability into complex afloat environments, improving quality of life, enabling digital workflow, and strengthening shipboard readiness. The close relationship between FSW engineers, deckplate operators, and Combat Systems personnel helped shape a wireless design purpose-built for the realities of life at sea.

During preparations for the Presidential visit, FSW provided valuable support to shipboard teams as they verified internal connectivity, configured systems, and ensured spaces were ready for WHCA’s operational requirements. FSW’s established footprint aboard the aircraft carrier contributed to a well-prepared internal digital environment that complemented IoE’s shore-delivered capability.

“This event proved that our investments in Sailor-focused digital infrastructure are also strategic assets,” Navy Enterprise Networks (NEN) Deputy Director, Capt. Frederick Crawford said. “Flank Speed Wireless was designed to serve Sailors, and it’s now proving itself mission-critical in high-stakes national operations.”

The collaboration between GPS IoE and FSW exemplified how PEO Digital capabilities can work in concert, each within its intended role, to support high-stakes real-world operations.

A Unified Effort: Delivering End-to-End Connectivity for the Commander-in-Chief

The success of the President’s visit was the result of coordinated efforts across PEO Digital, shipboard IT teams, installation partners, WHCA, and mission stakeholders. IoE delivered the high-bandwidth pier connection; FSW supported shipboard readiness; and together they ensured seamless integration across the Ship–Pier–Shore continuum.

This event demonstrated that modern digital infrastructure, when unified and aligned, can scale to meet strategic demand at the highest levels of national leadership.

“This effort shows what’s possible when we leverage existing infrastructure, unify modernization, and collaborate across programs,” said Program Executive Officer for Digital and Enterprise Services, Louis Koplin. “IoE, and the partnerships that supported it, are clear examples of Get Real, Get Better in action.”

Strengthening the Navy’s Digital Foundation

Whether enabling Sailors to stay connected in port, supporting digital workflow, or providing the communications backbone for the President of the United States, IoE and FSW are advancing a modern, resilient digital foundation for the fleet. Together, they reflect PEO Digital’s commitment to delivering capabilities that serve Sailors first, while scaling to meet the Navy’s most demanding operational requirements.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About PEO Digital 

The Program Executive Office for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital) delivers services throughout the Department of the Navy that improve performance, security, mobility, and customer experience. PEO Digital embraces business agility to ensure quality, accelerate innovation, continuously deliver value, and meet the dynamic needs of the warfighter. 

Our mission is to provide the Marine Corps and Navy with a decisive information advantage through a modern, innovative, and secure digital experience - any data, any time, anywhere. Our vision is to deliver a world-class digital experience at the speed of mission.

Learn more at: 
www.peodigital.navy.mil
https://www.linkedin.com/company/donpeodigital
https://x.com/donpeodigital