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NORFOLK, Va.— The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global is on a mission to strengthen U.S. naval capabilities by bridging the gap between scientists and warfighters who serve at sea. One of the ways the command does so is through the Scientist-to-Sea (S2S) program, which invites U.S. government and industry-partner scientists and engineers to experience Navy installations and ships in-person whenever possible.
The S2S program creates a unique opportunity for top minds in naval science and technology to interact with Sailors and Marines, gaining firsthand insights into warfighter requirements and operations. Recently, a group of 12 scientists, engineers, oceanographers and mathematicians had the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the naval drumbeat during a S2S tour in Norfolk, Virginia.
The participants visited Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek waterfronts, where they toured the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5) and U.S.S. Gunston Hall (LSD 44). They also had the opportunity to observe Beachmaster Unit 2 conduct training evolutions involving surveying the beach to establish boat lanes and setting up camp to establish a beachhead.
“The motivation for setting these up is that, although people have worked for years at ONR and other naval activities, many of them have never been on a naval platform or had any exposure to the warfighters,” said Anthony V. Bausas, ONR Global science advisor to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, who leads in planning the tours.
“It is my hope that greater exposure to the Navy as a whole will enable the participating scientists and engineers to gain a better understanding of the technology gaps and challenges that our warfighters experience every day, and to address these gaps and challenges more effectively.”
ONR sponsors the development of technology for Sailors and Marines around the world. It is important to understand operator requirements and how new technology will be operated. Crucial questions can include how technology upgrades will impact systems and processes onboard Navy vessels.
“These events help foster a relationship and mutual understanding between the fleet and the Naval Research and Development Establishment, or NR&DE,” said Cmdr. Jeff Parks, who coordinates and executes the S2S events for ONR. “They provide the scientists and engineers who design, build and support the systems the Navy employs with exposure to the fleet and insight into how those systems are utilized.”
Parks, who has years of service and deployments on his resume, believes the biggest takeaway is the opportunity to show scientists and engineers the vast difference between the operational environment and the lab they may be accustomed to.
“Particularly the cramped quarters, how everything needs to be ruggedized for combat and able to take a hit, and the self-sufficiency we must have while disconnected from civilization. On the other hand, it is important for the warfighters to have exposure to the NR&DE and access to the broad range of scientists, engineers and developers at their disposal,” said Parks.
Anjelica Rivers, a systems engineer from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, agrees: “I believe this program is invaluable for the engineering and scientist community. It allows us to see how our work fits into the bigger picture.
“I was pleased to meet them and ask them about their experiences, particularly what could make their lives better? What new technology could be useful? It was an incredible experience being aboard a carrier and learning about their vessel.”
Cherish T. Gilmore is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2025 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 494956 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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