Marine Takes Part in Verizon Center Demonstration During Fleet Week

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Wiwakan participated in a demonstration at Verizon Technology Innovation Center in San Francisco on Oct. 8, 2026, during San Francisco Fleet Week. Wiwakan is a light armored vehicle Marine assigned to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

The Navy’s caption identifies the event as part of Fleet Week, but does not describe what the demonstration involved or name any technology shown. The visit put a service member at a company technology center during a public event focused on giving Bay Area residents a firsthand look at the maritime services.

How the visit fits into Fleet Week

San Francisco Fleet Week was in its 45th iteration in 2026, according to the Navy caption. The event brings Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen into the Bay Area for activities that include showing their capabilities and equipment, taking part in community service events and meeting local residents.

Wiwakan’s demonstration at Verizon’s center was one event during that broader program. The caption does not say whether other service members joined him at the center, how long the demonstration lasted or whether it was open to the public. It also does not explain how the center visit related to the other Fleet Week activities.

What is known about the demonstration

The available description names the venue and participant but gives no further account of the demonstration. It does not identify a device, software, communications system or other technology, and it makes no claims about a product or military application. Verizon’s role in the demonstration, beyond hosting it at its Technology Innovation Center, is not specified.

The image is credited to U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Savannah Blakely, with Navy Region Southwest also listed in the credit. The caption provides no details about plans for future demonstrations or whether the visit led to any partnership or follow-up. Those details have not been announced in the available description.

This report draws on information from DVIDS.