Michael Stengel

Michael Stengel is the Senior Director at Sentinel Horizon, a defense services provider delivering advanced technology integration, acquisition strategy, and operational expertise across the U.S. Department of Defense. A retired U.S. Navy Commander, Michael brings over two decades of leadership experience in defense acquisition, strategic planning, and operational aviation, including senior positions at the Pentagon and within Naval Aviation’s enterprise headquarters.

Prior to joining Sentinel Horizon, Michael served as Senior Director for Beyond Line of Sight and Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) under OPNAV N98 (Air Warfare) at the Pentagon. In that role, he led the Navy’s long-range fires kill-chain integration strategy, coordinating across sensing, data transport, command and control, and weapons portfolios. He restructured acquisition timelines by realigning more than $50 million in funding across program offices and industry partners to accelerate delivery of critical capabilities to the fleet.

Previously, as Senior Director for Airborne Electronic Attack and Mission Planning, he oversaw requirements and budget execution for the EA-18G Growler, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and Next Generation Jammer portfolios, managing a $20.8 billion investment plan. His work directly shaped the Navy’s Air Wing of the Future, F/A-XX Next Generation Air Dominance, and MQ-25 unmanned programs.

A decorated Naval Aviator, Michael commanded VAQ-133, leading 215 Sailors and seven EA-18G aircraft through deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Under his leadership, the squadron earned the Battle E, Safety S, Retention Excellence, and the Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award, recognizing it as the Navy’s top Electronic Attack Squadron.

Michael holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University. At Sentinel Horizon, he applies his operational insight and acquisition expertise to drive growth, innovation, and mission success for defense customers across the joint force.