IC Workforce & Organization — 2026-05-28

Navy Disestablishes N2-N6 and Splits Information Warfare Into Three New Directorates for Intelligence Cyber and Warfighting

BLUFDispersing information warfare across three coequal directorates trades unified integration for tighter resourcing alignment, a bet that lateral coordination can replace the single fusion node N2N6 once provided.

CNO ADM Daryl Caudle announced on May 21, via NAVADMIN 123/26, that OPNAV N2N6 was disestablished effective May 4, redistributing its information warfare functions across three new OPNAV organizations 12. The NAVADMIN designated Steve Parode, a retired rear admiral and most recently deputy director of naval intelligence, as Director of the new OPNAV Intelligence Division (N2), reporting to the DCNO for Intelligence, Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development 13. Jennifer Edgin, the former deputy N2N6, was named Assistant DCNO for IW Requirements and Capabilities (N6N9C) and will concurrently serve as Department of the Navy Deputy CIO 1. RADM Susan Bryer Joyner was designated Director for IW (N99), with resource sponsorship for the Navy's full IW portfolio spanning tactical warfighting intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber, networks, space, oceanography, meteorology, PNT, NC3, and Maritime Operations Center and maritime headquarters staffs 13.

Analysis
Splitting N2N6 removes the single integration node that fused intelligence production, cyber-space policy, and IW resource sponsorship, replacing it with three directorates whose coherence depends on lateral coordination with no structural guarantee. The design explicitly mirrors the Navy's TYCOM-to-resource-sponsor model, embedding IW requirements directly in the warfighting resource process, concentrating friction at the seams between N2, N6N9C, and N99. Edgin's concurrent DoN Deputy CIO designation extends that policy reach into the broader departmental IT enterprise. On NAVADMIN 123/26 alone, the split may instead reflect bureaucratic capture by established OPNAV power centers absorbing functions from a rival directorate rather than any maturity-driven logic.

3 sources

NAVADMIN 123/26: Realignment of OPNAV N2N6 Roles and Responsibilities - U.S. Navy / MyNavyHR
Realignment of OPNAV N2N6 Responsibilities - Naval Intelligence Professionals
Navy splits major information warfare post across three new directorates - Breaking Defense