The recent 2024 Naval Science and Technology (S&T)/Combat Systems/Technology, Systems and Ships Symposium in Arlington, Virginia, served as a pivotal platform for navigating the future of naval warfare. With discussions centered around the integration of scientific and technological innovation into military operations, the event highlighted the critical role these advancements play in equipping Sailors and Marines with the capabilities they need to maintain maritime dominance.
Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus, alongside Rear Adm. Tom Dickinson, set the tone with a joint keynote address that emphasized collaboration among industry, academia, and government. “ONR appreciates the chance to team with partners like ASNE to help shape research outcomes that support the Fleet and Force,” Rothenhaus stated, underscoring the necessity of these partnerships to rapidly deliver solutions to the challenges faced by today’s military personnel. Such a collaborative spirit is essential as the Navy and Marine Corps grapple with the realities of strategic competition and technological change.
The symposium featured two significant panels that delved into pressing issues. The first panel, titled “Naval Power: Science and Technology to deliver in an era of strategic competition and technological change,” tackled the urgent need for agility in an increasingly complex environment. Participants, including Dr. Michael Pollock and Dr. Knox Millsaps, discussed the importance of revitalizing basic research and fostering a culture of S&T excellence. They recognized that in a world where adversaries are constantly advancing, the U.S. must not only keep pace but also lead in innovation.
The second panel, “S&T to improve the lethality, survivability and affordability of the Fleet and Force,” moderated by Capt. Steven Tarr III, shifted focus to practical applications of technology in naval operations. Panelists like Ben Bouffard and Dr. Jennifer Wolk explored the challenges of sustainment and manufacturing, particularly in light of the Cold War’s aftermath. They highlighted how innovations such as additive manufacturing are revolutionizing naval maintenance and repair, potentially transforming the entire lifecycle of naval assets.
The symposium also showcased a range of professional talks, including an intriguing presentation on Navy AI by Sandy Landsberg, which hinted at the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in naval operations. Capt. Jesse Black’s insights into the Naval Research Laboratory’s historical significance and ongoing mission illustrated the Navy’s commitment to leveraging groundbreaking S&T capabilities for future challenges.
As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the broader purpose of the symposium aligns with the Naval S&T Strategy released earlier this year by SECNAV Carlos Del Toro. This strategy aims to strengthen partnerships and accelerate the delivery of technological innovations, ensuring that the Navy and Marine Corps remain at the forefront of maritime warfare.
The emphasis on teamwork and a unified vision echoed throughout the event. “Improving not only the lethality, survivability and affordability of our current and future system is not an easy task,” Rothenhaus acknowledged, but the collaborative approach taken by the ONR and its partners demonstrates a commitment to achieving remarkable outcomes for the Sailors and Marines who rely on these advancements.
As the naval landscape continues to evolve, the insights and collaborations fostered at the symposium will likely inform future developments in the sector. With the stakes higher than ever, the drive for innovation and adaptability will determine the U.S. Navy’s ability to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. The partnership between the ONR, industry, and academia stands not just as a model for collaboration but as a beacon of hope for those committed to maintaining maritime superiority in an unpredictable world.
