Mike Connor

Mike founded ThayerMahan in order to accelerate the United States’ ability to effectively and efficiently monitor ocean activity using autonomous systems. He serves as the company's CEO -- driving direction and decision-making.

Recognized globally as an authority on undersea operations, Mike brings a wealth of experience to this endeavor. Over a 35-year career in which he rose to the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy, Mike commanded at the ship, squadron, and task force levels. His assignments include command of USS SEAWOLF, a nuclear-powered attack submarine; Submarine Squadron EIGHT; Undersea Forces in the Western Pacific; Undersea Forces in the Arabian Gulf; the United States Submarine Force; and NATO’s Allied Submarine Command.

Mike led the US Navy Submarine Force's move into robotic undersea systems, achieving key milestones including the first operational deployment and recovery of an unmanned vehicle from a submarine. He led an innovation effort that began the shift away from expensive undersea search operations platforms toward operations based on large numbers of inexpensive vehicles. In doing so, he broke new ground in undersea communications, development of undersea networks, and development of technology to support extended range undersea weapons.

Mike has written extensively on the future of undersea warfare and is a sought-after speaker on undersea warfare topics.