Operational wave modeling frameworks include various numerical and physical approaches such as data assimilation. The mechanisms for data assimilation to improve wave forecasting are still an area of basic research, especially since wave buoy observations are sparse. This session will discuss new wave models and modeling suites that are presently being used to forecast ocean waves and to support technologies such as wave gliders. Participants will describe how wave models assimilate measurements from wave buoys and procedures used to make consistent use of ocean observations and models. The following papers and extended abstracts discuss the use of wave models to support optimal ship tracking, glider operations, marine spill response, etc.