Integrating DevOps into Navy Combat Systems Development

This thesis seeks to answer three questions concerning the Navy's adoption of DevOps and its practices. Those questions are: What is DevOps in a naval context? What stands in the way of that adoption? What are some ways that the Navy can overcome those obstacles? By drawing upon both an extensive review of literature on the topic, as well as interviews with subject-matter experts, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and complexity of the change needed in order for the Navy to adopt a culture of DevOps as well as its attendant practices. Pursuant to the same end, this thesis proposes process architectures for continuous integration, continuous testing, and continuous certification, as well as the reorganization of the Navy's combat systems development hierarchy necessary for the transition to DevOps.