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The Office of Naval Research (ONR), headquartered in Arlington, Virginia (Ballston), is an office of the U.S. Navy that carries out scientific research to support the Navy and Marine Corps in the interest of national security. ONR, as it is frequently referred to, runs the Naval Research Lab (or NRL), the ONR Global Fleet/Forces division, the Naval Science and Technology Program, and the Commercial Technology Transition Office (CTTO). The Office of Naval Research The U.S. Secretary of the Navy established a main office for research within the Department of the Navy in May 1945, three days after V-E Day. ONR was authorized by an Act of Congress, and subsequently approved by President Truman on August 1, 1946, with the stated mission of "planning, fostering, and encouraging scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance as related to the maintenance of future naval power and the preservation of national security." Its initial operating budget was roughly $22 million. The first Chief of Naval Research, Vice Admiral Harold Bowen, was instrumental in radar research and convincing the Navy to adopt high-temperature, high-pressure steam turbines. Oversight of educational research ONR and Department of Health and Human Services share audit oversight of federal research funds awarded to educational institutions. (ONR uses the services of the Defense Contract Audit Agency; DHHS has its own audit staff but will use DCAA services on occasion.) Under the agreement between the two entities, whichever entity has the greatest share of funds awarded to the institution maintains responsibility for oversight. In the event neither entity has a majority share, DHHS by default maintains responsibility. Every five years, the sharing ratio at an institution is checked to see if oversight should be switched between the parties. Naval Research Laboratory Founded in 1923, the NRL employs roughly 1,500 scientists and engineers. It has a prestigious history, including the development of the first U.S. radar system, developing synthetic lubricants (for modern gas turbine engines), over-the-horizon radar, the first US surveillance satellite, and the Clementine mission. Fleet/Forces Division The Fleet/Forces Division is responsible for planning and tactics. Such planning has included studies on "asymmetric attacks", wherein a small force (such as a pontoon boat filled with high explosive) is able to damage a much larger force (such as the USS ''Cole''). Studies focus on operations in littoral waters, and denial of enemy electronics and intelligence (through programs such as the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP)). Naval Science and Technology Program The ONR S&T Program is organized into thrusts, which are grouped into 23 research areas, including nanoelectronics, computational methods, underwater weaponry, and combat casualty care. It also has four Grand Challenges: Commercial Technology Transition Office The CTTO exists as a broker between ONR and the rest of the Navy in finding successful and relevant technologies. It seeks technology within the civilian COTS market which will further naval research. Gallery Image:Tlam_launch.jpg|Tomahawk TLAM launching Image:Sf_rearview_port_san_diego.jpg|ONR Sea Flyer, which is fitted with an underwater lifting body, causing it to rise out of the water at speed. Photographed off coast of San Diego. | |||||||
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