Symposium
Join us as we celebrate another year of industry innovation with an exciting panel discussion, technology exhibits, and crab feast. Please register no later than Monday, October 5, 2026.
Save the Date!
Thursday, October 8, 2026
7001 Dorsey Road
Hanover, MD 21076
Symposium Agenda
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Marine Technology Exhibits
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
MTS Technology Forum
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Marine Technology Exhibits, Networking, and Maryland Crab Feast
Open to MTS Members and Invited Guests
The Oceaneering/MTS Symposium is the fall meeting of the Washington DC Section of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and is open to MTS members and invited guests. Symposium guests include representatives from the U.S. Navy, NAVSEA, SOCOM, NASA, NSA, and U.S. Air Force, MTS members, Oceaneering employees, clients, maritime businesses, academia, and military service members. Foreign nationals may be in attendance.
This Year’s Exhibitors
BIRNS
Established in 1954, BIRNS is an AS9100 certified global leader in the design and manufacturing of high performance connectors, penetrators and cable assemblies for deep ocean use. BIRNS solutions are found worldwide on ROVs, AUVs and UUVs; and on everything from massive crewed systems to photonics masts and intricate towed arrays. Connectivity solutions include 6km-rated open face RF assemblies with -0.35dB attenuation/ 1.2 VSWR at 3GHz, assemblies with data transfer speeds of 9.4 Gp/s, and 6km-rated optical assemblies with insertion losses of ≤ -0.1 dB at 1° C. All deliver superior performance: faster data transfer for better telemetry and communications, and safer, more reliable power distribution.
BIRNS
BlackSea Technologies
BlackSea Technologies is a Baltimore-based defense company delivering advanced maritime systems at operational scale. From unmanned surface vessels to subsea platforms, we specialize in rapid design, manufacturing, and deployment that meets the urgency of today’s missions. Our production lines are built for speed, quality, and repeatability, enabling us to field proven systems worldwide. With expertise spanning engineering, integration, and sustainment, BlackSea closes critical capability gaps and strengthens deterrence at sea. We bring together veterans, innovators, and builders to solve the toughest challenges in naval autonomy and maritime security, ensuring readiness in contested and evolving environments.
BlackSea Technologies
Bubble Robotics
Bubble Robotics is building the autonomous workforce of the ocean. Our compact robotic systems deploy, recover, and recharge subsea vehicles from autonomous surface motherships designed to remain at sea for up to six months, enabling persistent operations without dedicated ships or crews. Built for maritime security, environmental monitoring, critical infrastructure operations, and ocean data collection, the platform combines resilient autonomy, subsea docking, distributed sensing, and command-and-control integration. Bubble transforms costly, episodic, and manpower-intensive missions into continuously available robotic capability.
Bubble Robotics
Chance Maritime Technologies
Chance Maritime Technologies designs, builds, operates, and sells High-Power, Long-Endurance Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). Our USVs operate for weeks at a time continuously while delivering kilowatts of power to highly modular payloads. Our Chance MC40 and Chance MC29 offer full open ocean going performance, while supporting deepwater multibeam, acoustic comms gateway, and advanced ISR payloads. The Chance LR30, recently selected as the NOAA Class B UMS, offers streamlined hydrographic, geophysical, and mine-countermeasures capabilities. Our vessels are 100% designed and built in the USA.
Chance Maritime Technologies
FET Dynacon
FET Subsea provides a comprehensive range of products and services for offshore and remote subsea operations. Its portfolio includes remote intervention technologies such as subsea trenchers, ROVs, tether management systems, tooling, thrusters, and other critical subsea components. The Perry® product line offers one of the industry's most extensive selections of ROVs and subsea systems. Additional solutions include Dynacon launch and recovery systems (LARS), and VisualSoft data acquisition software, all designed to support underwater drilling, inspection, intervention, and offshore energy projects.
FET Dynacon
Forcys, Inc.
Forcys is a global maritime defense company with 50 years' domain expertise. Backed by our technology partners Sonardyne, Voyis, EIVA, Wavefront, and Chelsea Technologies, we deliver mission-shaped solutions for undersea warfare. Integrating navigation, positioning, communications, imaging, sonar, and full-spectrum mission software systems for unmanned maritime systems and seafloor sensor networks.
Forcys, Inc.
Glenair, Inc.
Glenair is a leading manufacturer of advanced interconnect solutions, ranging from accessories and connectors to complete cable systems, serving demanding customers in high-cost-of-failure applications. Known for industry-leading lead times, Glenair also supports custom orders with no minimum order quantities. Its interconnect designs are available in environmental, filter, hermetic, electrical, RF and high-speed, and fiber optic configurations, and may be supplied as discrete components or integrated into turnkey assemblies. Glenair provides full sales and engineering support in every major market, including military aerospace, commercial aerospace, warfighter, space, oil and gas, high-speed, industrial, nuclear, and motorsport applications.
Glenair, Inc.
Kraken Robotics
Kraken Robotics is a global marine technology company transforming subsea intelligence through advanced sensors, software, and integrated systems. Serving defense, offshore energy, and ocean science markets, the company delivers actionable insights in challenging underwater environments. Kraken’s integrated subsea solutions span sonar, navigation, positioning, imaging, power, communications, monitoring, and data analytics.
On July 2, 2026, Kraken Robotics acquired the Covelya Group, bringing together Sonardyne, EIVA, Forcys, Voyis, and Chelsea Technologies. Together, the companies combine highly skilled global teams with a shared commitment to solving complex underwater challenges through world-class, dual-use technologies.
Kraken Robotics
MacArtney, Inc.
MacArtney is a global supplier of underwater technology products and systems. We specialize in the design, manufacture, sales, and service of a wide range of systems for oil and gas offshore operators, ROV, diving, and survey contractors, the renewable energy sector, ocean science institutes, and navies worldwide.
MacArtney designs and manufactures state-of-the-art connectivity solutions. Key technologies include wet- and dry-mateable power, signal and optical connector solutions, terminations and penetrators, under the renowned SubConn®, TrustLink and OptoLink brands, GreenLink termination solutions and subsea cables from leading manufacturers.
MacArtney, Inc.
Naval Submarine League
The Naval Submarine League (NSL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting the U.S. Submarine Force and educating the public about its critical role in national defense. Through outreach initiatives, the NSL engages its members and promotes awareness of the undersea domain’s importance to national security. Individual and corporate members gain valuable insights through conferences, symposiums, and other events featuring active-duty, government officials, and professionals from the submarine industrial base. Members receive The NSL Update newsletter, and The Submarine Review, a quarterly journal providing in-depth articles, and perspectives on submarine-related topics and industry developments.
Naval Submarine League
NORBIT
NORBIT Oceans develops advanced sonar and underwater technologies for hydrographic surveying, geophysical investigations, navigation, security, and subsea positioning. Our portfolio includes NORBIT multibeam sonar systems for high-resolution bathymetric mapping and imaging, integrated acoustic surveillance and intruder detection systems, Water Linked underwater positioning and communication technology, Ping DSP 3D Side Scan shallow-water sonars, and Innomar parametric sub-bottom profilers. Our technologies deliver reliable, high-quality data that helps maritime professionals work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions.
NORBIT
Northeast Ocean Systems
Northeast Ocean Systems is a Rhode Island based engineering firm focused on practical underwater robotics solutions. We specialize in integrating remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar, cameras, and USVs for applications in marine research, aquaculture, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Our approach emphasizes reliability, modular design, and real-world usability helping organizations deploy capable underwater systems without the complexity typically associated with marine robotics.
Northeast Ocean Systems
Ocean Power Technologies
Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) delivers innovative maritime solutions that provide persistent power, data, and intelligence at sea. Its core technologies—the PowerBuoy®, WAM-V® Unmanned Surface Vehicles, and AI-capable Merrows™ Maritime Domain Awareness System—enable reliable offshore monitoring, communications, and operations across surface, subsea, and aerial domains. With a focus on autonomy, endurance, and adaptability, OPT helps address challenges from infrastructure protection and environmental monitoring to research and security. By combining renewable energy with advanced sensing and data integration, OPT empowers organizations to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and effectively across the world’s oceans.
Ocean Power Technologies
OceanSight
OceanSight is a growing collective of specialized marine technology companies delivering advanced acoustic, geophysical and underwater imaging solutions for offshore, subsea, research and defense markets. Its portfolio includes Neptune Sonar, which designs high-performance acoustic transducers and arrays; Ocean Floor Geophysics, which develops marine magnetic, electromagnetic and cathodic protection technologies; and Sound Metrics, a leader in high resolution acoustic imaging sonar. By providing shared commercial, operational and global channel support, OceanSight helps its companies accelerate innovation, expand their reach and give customers a more complete
understanding of the underwater environment.
OceanSight
OceanSpace
OceanSpace develops advanced sensing solutions for monitoring and managing aquatic ecosystems. CEO William Arnold's marine research background enables effective collaboration with environmental scientists. Engineering Director Milton Dean leads optics development and advanced manufacturing. Field Engineer Eric Steimle brings expertise in autonomous vessels and sensor integration to support innovative technology development. Kurt Kramer develops AI and machine learning software that enhances imaging and data analysis. Together, our multidisciplinary team advances optical imaging and classification technologies, develops cost-effective manufacturing solutions, and serves customers across industry, government, and academia.
OceanSpace, LLC
Okeanus
Okeanus, an Advanced Ocean Systems (AOS) company, specializes in the design, production and testing of winches and launch and recovery systems, including automated systems for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). With our affiliate companies at AOS, we offer a spectrum of capabilities to the DOW market that expand the capability of USVs by integrating mission-critical launch, recovery and payload handling systems, combined with the associated program management, field support and life-cycle sustainment.
Okeanus
Rampart Products
Rampart Products was founded with a clear purpose: provide exceptional customer service, responsive engineering, and reasonable delivery times for customers requiring rugged hermetic electrical interconnect and cable solutions.
Our team brings decades of engineering and manufacturing experience across harsh-environment applications, from downhole drilling and subsea equipment to highly engineered connector systems, electronics packaging, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Today, Rampart brings engineering, manufacturing, quality and commercial operations together under one roof in our 42,000 sq ft facility in Houston, Texas, allowing our teams to collaborate closely from initial concept through production.
Rampart Products
SH Group: Where Engineering Meets Excellence in Maritime and Defence
With engineering brilliance and unparalleled production capabilities, SH Group is at the forefront of Maritime and Defence handling technology and service solutions. With our specialized engineering department and in-house production facilities, we offer an integrated approach to tackle today’s most complex nautical and Defence challenges.
With our expertise in hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems, we engineer transformative equipment like our Sepro™ line and the Cube™ Multi-mission modules. Our one-point-of-contact service ensures streamlined communication and swift problem resolution.
Setting New Standards: Maritime and Defence Solutions by SH Group
SH Group
Sidus Solutions, LLC
We are a full-service manufacturer offering integrated subsea hazardous area security and surveillance solutions, from conceptual design through engineering to technical and client support. Our subsea products are operational to depths exceeding 6,500m. Worldwide, SIDUS serves the oil, gas, academic, scientific & military industries. SIDUS is unique to the market in the fact that we offer EPCi-Engineering, Procurement, Construction & installation support with the capability to interface/integrate our systems with all of the major automation/PLC/SCADA systems.
Produtos
Cameras & imaging systems. Positioning devices: pan & tilt, rotators. Illumination: lights and lasers. Integrated systems & technologies. Engineering Services
Sidus Solutions, LLC
SubSeaSail®, Inc.
SubSeaSail®, Inc. is developing disruptively affordable, long-duration (1-6+ months), multimission Autonomous Undersea & Surface Vessels (AUSVs). We have 2 lines of 100% energy harvesting (wind/solar), ultra-low-signature AUSVs (HORUS™ for observation & HERMES™ for cargo/energy) that can submerge & function in contested environments.
These are dual use vehicles positioned at the intersection of autonomy, Big Data/AI, BlueTech, CleanTech, DefenseTech and Robotics. They will be important in the academic / commercial sectors but will also help re-define the future of warfighting in the ocean battlespace. We have 10 issued patents in Australia, Europe and the U.S. and 6 patents pending.
SubSeaSail®, Inc.
VideoRay, LLC
VideoRay is the global leader in inspection-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), delivering reliable, mission-critical subsea solutions to commercial operators, navies, and security forces worldwide. As part of AV, VideoRay combines proven expeditionary performance with AV’s advanced uncrewed systems expertise, creating a portfolio designed to give customers a decisive operational edge.
The Mission Specialist product line, including the Defender, Ally, and Pro 5, is built on a flexible, modular architecture that enables advanced payload integration, in-field repairs, and unmatched power and reach. These systems are trusted in programs such as the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR), where safety, precision, and effectiveness are paramount.
VideoRay, LLC
Panel Discussion Persistent Presence: Operating at Scale in the New Maritime Era
The ocean is entering a new operational era—one defined not by occasional missions, but by continuous presence.
Advances in robotics, sensors, communications, and data analytics are making it possible to monitor, understand, and operate in the maritime domain with unprecedented persistence. Yet the true challenge is no longer just developing these technologies; it is deploying and sustaining them at operational scale. This year’s symposium will explore how industry, government, and the research community are working together to move from episodic ocean activity to continuous maritime operations. Discussions will focus on the systems, infrastructure, and partnerships required to enable persistent presence—supporting maritime security, protecting critical infrastructure, advancing ocean science, enabling ocean exploration, and unlocking the full potential of the blue economy.
Our expert panel will explore these topics and many more.
Moderator
Steven Grundman
Executive in Residence | Renaissance Strategic Advisors
Steven Grundman is a business strategist, public policy analyst, and educator for aerospace and defense, work that he performs across four platforms—Grundman Advisory, a business-strategy consultancy of which he is the founder; the Atlantic Council, where he is a senior fellow; Syracuse University, where he leads the National Security Studies program; and the consultancy Renaissance Strategic Advisors, where he is an Executive in Residence. From 2000 to 2011, Steve was a Vice President and Director of Aerospace and Defense Consulting at Charles River Associates, a global business consultancy. In the 1990s, Mr. Grundman served in a succession of appointments at the US Department of Defense, beginning in the Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation and culminating in his appointment as Deputy Under Secretary for Industrial Affairs and Installations. Steve served in the US Army’s 1st Armored Division, was a consular and diplomatic officer in the US Foreign Service, and worked in the executive office and on the research staff of the Center for Naval Analyses. He holds a B.S. Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University.
Panelist
Anthony Antognoli
Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer Robotics and Autonomous Systems | U.S. Coast Guard
Mr. Anthony Antognoli is the Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CG‑RAS) at the U.S. Coast Guard, leading the integration of unmanned and autonomous technologies that enhance mission execution, maritime safety, and national security.
Before returning to the Coast Guard in 2025, he served as Deputy Executive Director for Program Accountability and Risk Management at the Department of Homeland Security and as Chief of Staff of the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, where he also acted as Component Acquisition Executive. His Coast Guard assignments include Deputy Director of the Marine Transportation System and Strategic Advisor to Coast Guard Cyber Command.
Mr. Antognoli began his federal career at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in program leadership roles supporting nuclear warhead sustainment and modernization. He also brings private‑sector experience from Intel, America Online, and a software development firm he founded. His awards include the DHS Secretary’s Commendation Award, the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Commendation Award, and the Air Force Civilian Achievement Medal.
Panelist
Alexis Gutierrez
Government Affairs Advisor | K&L Gates
Alexis Gutierrez is a government affairs advisor in K&L Gates Public Policy and Law practice group. Her experience includes developing Congressional strategies for appropriations and authorizations on maritime and fisheries issues, as well as building coalitions and advocacy networks to support the goals of clients.
Prior to joining the firm, Alexis worked with the United States Department of Commerce's National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, where she served as Supervisory Congressional Affairs Specialist in the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. She also served previously as a legislative fellow on the U.S. Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
Panelist
Captain Bill Mowitt
Director | NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration | Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
CAPT Bill Mowitt is the Acting Director of NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. The Office of Ocean Exploration leads national efforts to fill gaps in basic understanding of the deep-ocean environment, providing critical data, information, and awareness needed to protect American livelihoods, strengthen national security, and promote a vibrant U.S. economy.
Prior to his service with Ocean Exploration, he was the Director of NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Operations Center, located in the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. There he led NOAA’s adoption of more than 20 different Uncrewed Systems across the agency's oceans and weather missions portfolios. In his time with the NOAA Corps, CAPT Mowitt served more than nine years at sea on NOAA Ships. This took him to virtually all parts of the U.S. EEZ and included time as Commanding Officer of the NOAA Ships Henry B. Bigelow e Pisces, where he spearheaded the integration of bathymetric multibeam sonars on both ships, expanding their mission sets.
Panelist
Rear Admiral Melvin Smith
Commander, Submarine Group TWO | U.S. Navy
Rear Adm. Melvin Smith assumed command of Submarine Group TWO in June 2025, serving as the Atlantic theater undersea warfare lead. He oversees innovation and testing of new undersea warfare tactics and systems and is responsible for training and certifying Theater Undersea Warfare Commands across the globe.
A 1997 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering, Smith’s sea tours include service aboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), Engineer Officer of USS Maine (SSBN 741) (GOLD Crew), Executive Officer of USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Commanding Officer of USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), and Commodore of Submarine Squadron 1.
Ashore, he has held a range of senior assignments, including Company Officer at the U.S. Naval Academy, Principal Assistant to the Director, Naval Reactors; Submarine Assignments Branch Head at Naval Personnel Command; Division Chief for Nuclear Policy and Strategic Deterrence on the Joint Staff; Deputy Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 5; Executive Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command; and Deputy J3 at U.S. Strategic Command.
His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit, among other service and campaign awards.
Perguntas frequentes
Join Us in Hanover—Where Ideas Surface!
The 34th Annual Oceaneering/MTS Symposium will be held at our facilities in Hanover, Maryland. This dynamic venue serves as a hub for innovation in marine and defense technologies, making it the ideal setting for a day of industry insights, networking, and hands-on exhibits from top marine technology companies.
