Jon Ahlstrom is a distinguished defense strategist and senior naval officer with over two decades of experience leading high-stakes international negotiations, national security policy, and elite military operations. Currently serving as the Director of Submarine Rotational Forces West for the U.S. Navy, Jon leads a trilateral team of American, Australian, and British personnel in the historic implementation of nuclear submarine capabilities in Western Australia (AUKUS). His recent leadership was instrumental in securing a $4.8B infrastructure investment and a $3B contribution to the U.S. submarine industrial base, marking some of the most significant advancements in modern maritime security cooperation.

Jon’s expertise extends to the highest levels of government and global diplomacy. As the former Director for AUKUS at the National Security Council, he coordinated interagency efforts across the White House, State, and Defense departments to modernize international arms regulations and expand technological partnerships with key global allies. A former White House Fellow, Jon has a proven track record of launching international initiatives like the Blue Dot Network and the Japanese-U.S. Strategic Energy Partnership, which secured hundreds of millions in funding for global infrastructure and energy security. His career is defined by an ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes while maintaining a steadfast focus on strategic stability and international cooperation.

Beyond his policy achievements, Jon is a seasoned operational leader who commanded the 160-person crew of the USS COLUMBUS, overseeing nearly a billion dollars in engineering overhauls and critical national security missions. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former Olmsted Scholar, he holds an MBA from Imperial Business School, an MA in Military History and Geo-strategy from Sciences Po Aix, and a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Jon’s unique combination of combat leadership, legislative advocacy, and diplomatic finesse makes him an invaluable asset to the global defense community and the organizations he serves.