In the Navy, research sails forward.

• Author: Farrell, Jr., Lawrence P.
• Position: PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

LAST MONTH'S President's Perspective highlighted the importance of defense science and technology, and the challenges in funding basic research. This month we continue that theme by spotlighting the Office of Naval Research.

NDIA recently conducted a conference focused on naval research. The legendary Vice Adm. Harold Bowen was very much on the minds of Navy officials and civilian scientists who celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Office of Naval Research at the NDIA conference.

Bowen, who was virtually a one-man force behind the creation of the Office of Naval Research, is most certainly a source of inspiration today, as we ponder the future of the nation's military and its historic role in fostering science and technology.

Bowen was well known for his scrappy perseverance and fearlessness. As the first chief of naval research, he browbeat the Navy into adopting new high-pressure, high-temperature steam turbines, which proved invaluable for World War II ships. He also was a persuasive force behind the Navy's development of radar.

Shortly after the war ended, Bowen's wish of starting a Navy agency fully dedicated to the pursuit of science and technology came true. ONR was authorized by an Act of Congress, and subsequently approved by President Harry 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.

ONR has grown substantially over the years. It is now based in Arlington, Va., and oversees $1.5 billion a year in research and development programs. It runs the Naval Research Lab, the ONR Global Fleet Forces Division, the Naval Science and Technology Program and the Commercial Technology Transition Office.

Just last month, ONR was the focus of the aforementioned three-day conference and exhibition NDIA organized, called "The Navy After Next ... Powered by Naval Research."

Chief of Naval Research Rear adm. William Landay took the opportunity to highlight the important work currently under way at ONR, and the desire by the organization to continue to forge partnerships with industry and academia, which increasingly have become the source of much innovation and technology breakthroughs.

Like the other military services, the Navy is undergoing a transformation in its war-fighting concepts...