Strengthening Ties: VAdm Thibault de Possesse Visits U.S. Navy’s Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation
30 April 2025
NORFOLK, Va. --
Vice Adm. Thibault de Possesse, Director of the Center for Advanced Military Studies and President of the French Defense University, along with 42-person delegation from the French Defence University, recently visited Navy Warfare Development Center (NWDC) in Norfolk, VA. The visit, highlighted by a detailed tour of the Navy Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NCAMS), underscored the growing collaboration between the French Navy and the U.S. Navy, particularly in the realms of maritime operations and strategic innovation.
Vice Adm. de Possesse, a well-regarded leader in French military circles known for his expertise in strategic foresight and innovation, was accompanied by a delegation from the French Defence University for a tour of Naval Station Norfolk for ship familiarization and NWDC to understand the simulation domain. While at NWDC, they were briefed on the intricacies of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and its vital role in global naval operations. The tour and briefing emphasized the MOC's integration with the US Navy’s broader strategic framework and its crucial partnerships with international naval forces, particularly the French Navy.
The French Navy’s increasing involvement in wargaming simulations aligns with its ongoing commitment to developing new strategic doctrines and operational capabilities. Through a partnership with the U.S. Navy, French naval officers gain valuable insights into the latest developments in maritime operations, artificial intelligence, and real-time decision-making.
Mr. Michael Durkin, NWDC Director, highlighted that such collaborations help further strengthen global maritime security, stating, “The integration of our operations with international allies like France is vital in addressing modern security challenges, whether in the Indo-Pacific or in the Mediterranean.”
The visit marks another significant chapter in the long-standing military partnership between France and the United States, reinforcing the shared commitment to safeguarding international maritime routes and enhancing global defense cooperation.