Rear Adm. Eric Ver Hage, Military Deputy to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for International Armaments Cooperation, and leaders from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) visitor spoke at an Advanced Manufacturing (AM) workshop hosted by the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HUST), May 20, 2026, in Harrisburg, Pa.
Attendees of the workshop had been representatives from Central Pennsylvania’s engineering industry and nonprofit sector, in addition to college, employees, and college students from the University’s AM and Robotics, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and Interactive Media applications.
Alexander Zazwirsky represented NAVSUP’s AM Team on the workshop and he spoke to attendees about NAVSUP’s dedication to collaborating with academia and industry because the Navy incorporates AM applied sciences for enhancing operational readiness and functionality.
“Collaboration between academia and industry remains essential for us to accelerate adoptions of advanced manufacturing,” Zazwirsky mentioned. “Academia brings research and innovation; industry brings production expertise and technology acceleration; while the Navy provides the operational requirements and sustainment needs.”
Part of the workshop concerned NAVSUP leaders touring the University’s numerous engineering labs.
“Visitors to the labs will recognize that we have created a technological proving ground that brings together advanced manufacturing, material science, processing, reverse engineering, robotics, and novel machine techniques through digital design and a truly collaborative environment combining academic excellence with strong defense and industry partnerships,” mentioned L.J. Holmes, the workshop’s lead organizer for HUST.
“A few key takeaways stood out during the lab visit and our discussions,” Zazwirsky mentioned. “First the technology is advancing much faster than many realize, the capabilities demonstrated in additive manufacturing showed that it is becoming a true source of production capability rather than simply prototyping. Second, success is less about the printers and machines themselves and more about the surrounding digital ecosystem.”
Advanced manufacturing refers to modern applied sciences which fabricate, restore, rework or reverse engineer elements or parts. These embody Additive Manufacturing or 3D-printing, Subtractive Manufacturing, Cold Spray and Directed Energy deposition and coatings elimination, Robotics and automation, Data Analytics, and Advanced Machining.
Zazwirsky mentioned that NAVSUP is the perfect Navy group to steer engagement efforts with educational and industry leaders about AM.
“NAVSUP is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between advanced manufacturing and operational fleet readiness,” Zazwirsky mentioned. “NAVSUP manages the supply chains, logistics networks, inventory strategies and sustainment process that deliver those technologies at scale. As Navy’s logistics enterprise, NAVSUP has visibility across platforms, weapon systems, maintenance activities and material requirements. This perspective allows us to identify the high value opportunities for AM, especially addressing the obsolescence, long lead times, reduced manufacturing capabilities and readiness impacts.”
In 2024, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition launched the inaugural Department of the Navy (DoN) Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, which indicators the DoN’s dedication to advanced manufacturing.
A Department-wide embrace of advanced manufacturing applied sciences is a key enabler to constructing readiness and functionality now, a central intent of the Chief of Naval Operations NAVPLAN 2024 and the Commandant of the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 (2023) Annual Update.
Harrisburg University of ScienceandTechnology (HU) is an impartial, nonprofit college providing levels in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and different essential fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HUservesa numerous pupil physique throughbachelor’s,grasp’s, and doctoral applications that hyperlink studying and analysis with sensible purposes.
NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps oversee a various portfolio together with provide chain administration for materials assist to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition companions, provide operations, standard ordnance, contracting, resale, transportation, safety help, Sailor & household care, together with meals service, postal providers, retail amenities, and motion of family items. In addition to its headquarters exercise, the NAVSUP Enterprise consists of 11 instructions situated worldwide.