As he steps into retirement (though we’re not totally convinced he’ll slow down), we take a moment to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind—from his pioneering work at Tresys and Owl to shaping real-world standards that actually work.

This episode is a celebration of big ideas, mentorship done right, and the kind of quiet brilliance that transforms entire fields. As longtime colleague Stephen Lawrence said best:
“Mike didn’t just solve hard problems—he helped the rest of us learn how to solve them too.”

If you've ever wrestled with legacy data or wondered what true tech leadership looks like, this one’s a gift.

Summary:
In this special episode of Tech Transforms, part of our ongoing Skipjack Series, host Carolyn Ford reconnects with Steve Stratton to discuss his latest story: Operation White Heron. Building on the world of Operation Skipjack, this installment dives into the often-invisible frontlines of modern warfare—where shaping operations, secure communications, and real-time intelligence determine outcomes before the first shot is ever fired.

From special forces training with partners in the Pacific to disinformation campaigns and environmental sensors used for threat detection, Stratton breaks down how fiction rooted in reality can help decision-makers reframe the future of conflict. It’s a powerful conversation about leadership at the edge, data as a weapon, and the value of multi-domain coordination.

If you’re in national security, tech, or just curious how stories can shape strategy, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways – Operation White Heron Episode
Conflict Doesn’t Start with Gunfire
Modern warfare is already happening—in cyberspace, in social media, and through economic and information pressure. Operation White Heron explores the reality of “pre-hostility” operations where shaping activities and influence campaigns define the battlespace before combat begins.

Operate at the Point of Information
Admiral Nikki Furry empowers her teams to make decisions where the data is collected—not after it's passed through layers of bureaucracy. This shift mirrors real-world changes in how the U.S. military and intelligence community are adapting to fast, decentralized decision-making.

Multi-Domain Awareness Requires Unconventional Sensors
From tidal sensors to AI-enhanced intel fusion, the story shows how unconventional data sources—when securely correlated—can detect threats others might miss. The key is recognizing that anything connected to the environment can become part of your sensor network.

Real-Time Data Sharing Is the New Tactical Advantage
Tactical data has a short shelf life. Whether stopping swimmers from landing on a hostile coast or responding to disinformation in real-time, secure and fast communications between allied forces is a game-changer.

Useful Fiction Makes the Tech and Stakes Real
By embedding real technology—like Owl’s PACSTAR kits and cross-domain guards—into a compelling narrative, Stratton helps readers understand the why behind secure communications, not just the how.

This Is a Continuum, Not a Moment
From pre-conflict shaping to full kinetic operations and post-conflict recovery, modern warfare requires continuous situational awareness, massive data ingestion, and the ability to act inside the adversary’s decision loop.

📘 Read the First Chapters Now — and Be the First to Read the Latest Installment: Operation White Heron
The Skipjack series continues. Start with the opening chapters already available—and be among the first to read Operation White Heron, launching May 5 at SOF Week.
👉 owlcyberdefense.com/operationskipjack

📬 Connect with Steve Stratton
📧 Email: stevenstratton@usa.com
🌐 Website: stevenstrattonusa.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Steve Stratton
📱 Instagram/X/Facebook: @StrattonBooks