NAVY COMPLETES TESTS ON GHOSTSWIMMER

FROM:  U.S. NAVY GHOSTSWIMMER 
141211-N-KE519-014 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 11, 2014) 

The GhostSwimmer vehicle, developed by the Chief of Naval Operations Rapid Innovation Cell project Silent NEMO, undergoes testing at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story. Project Silent NEMO is an experiment which explores the possible uses for a biomimetic device developed by the Office of Naval Research. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III/Released)

Navy Tests New Unmanned Underwater Vehicle at JEBLC-FS
Story Number: NNS141212-26Release Date: 12/12/2014 11:24:00 AM A  A  A  
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy completed tests on the GhostSwimmer unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Dec. 11.

GhostSwimmer is the latest in a series of science-fiction-turned-reality projects developed by the chief of naval operations' Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) project, Silent NEMO.

Silent NEMO is an experiment that explores the possible uses for biomimetic, unmanned underwater vehicles in the fleet.

Over the past several weeks, Boston Engineering's tuna-sized device has been gathering data at JEBLC-FS on tides, varied currents, wakes, and weather conditions for the development of future tasks.

"GhostSwimmer will allow the Navy to have success during more types of missions while keeping divers and Sailors safe," said Michael Rufo, director of Boston Engineering's Advanced Systems Group.

The GhostSwimmer was developed to resemble the shape and mimic the swimming style of a large fish. At a length of approximately 5 feet and a weight of nearly 100 pounds, the GhostSwimmer vehicle can operate in water depths ranging from 10 inches to 300 feet.

"It swims just like a fish does by oscillating its tail fin back and forth," said Rufo. "The unit is a combination of unmanned systems engineering and unique propulsion and control capabilities."

Its bio-mimicry provides additional security during low visibility intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and friendly hull inspections, while quieter than propeller driven craft of the same size, according to Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC).

The robot is capable of operating autonomously for extended periods of time due to its long-lasting battery, but it can also be controlled via laptop with a 500-foot tether. The tether is long enough to transmit information while inspecting a ship's hull, for example, but if operating independently (without a tether) the robot will have to periodically be brought to the surface to download its data.

"This project and others that we are working on at the CRIC are important because we are harnessing the brainpower and talents of junior Sailors," said Capt. Jim Loper, department head for Concepts and Innovation, NWDC. "The opportunity for a young Sailor who has a good idea to get that idea heard, and to get it turned into action, is greater [now] than any other time in our Navy's history."

The CRIC was established in 2012 to provide junior leaders with an opportunity to identify and rapidly field emerging technologies that address the Navy's most pressing challenges and aims to find ways to quickly employ them in the fleet.

"Our mantra is 'you have permission to be creative.' We want our people to go out there and dream big dreams and put them into action," said Loper. "We want to see projects like this replicated throughout the fleet. The fusion of the deckplate brainpower with support of the most senior leadership in the Navy is going to keep us moving forward throughout the 21st century."

DOD PLANS TO ISSUE 24 RESEARCH AWARDS TOTALING $167 MILLION

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release No: NR-184-14

April 14, 2014

DOD to Award $167 Million in Research Funding

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced plans to issue 24 awards totaling $167 million over the next five years to academic institutions to perform multidisciplinary basic research. The Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) program supports research conducted by teams of investigators that intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline in order to accelerate research progress.

The Army Research Office, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Office of Naval Research solicited proposals in 24 topics important to DOD and the military services. Initially, 361 white papers were received, 88 of which were selected for more detailed proposals. The awards were selected based on a merit review by a panel of experts and are subject to successful negotiation between the institution and DOD. The awards announced today are for a five year period subject to availability of appropriations and satisfactory research progress.
The highly competitive MURI program complements other DOD basic research efforts which fund traditional, single-investigator university, industry and department laboratory grants, by supporting multidisciplinary teams with larger and longer-term awards, in carefully chosen research topics identified for their potential for significant and sustained progress. Like single-investigator awards, MURI awards provide strong support for the education and training of graduate students in cutting edge research. Based on the proposals selected in the fiscal 2014 competition, a total of 64 academic institutions are expected to participate in these 24 research efforts.

For more than 25 years, DOD’s MURI program has resulted in significant capabilities for our military forces and opened up entirely new lines of research. Examples include advances in laser frequency combs that have become the gold standard in frequency control for precision in navigation and targeting; atomic and molecular self-assembly projects that have opened new possibilities for nano-manufacturing; and the field of spintronics emerged from a MURI award on magnetic materials and devices research.

THE OPTIMIZATION OF CELL BASED CENSORS

Photo:  Cells.  Credit:  Wikimedia Commons

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Recruiting Engineered Cells to Work for Warfighters
Date: 4/8/2013 3:27:00 PM
By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) launched a collaborative initiative with university researchers April 8 focused on synthetic, or engineered, cells as part of a larger effort to use the smallest units of life to help Sailors and Marines execute their missions.

ONR currently has multiple ongoing projects in the field of synthetic biology, which offers new tools and methods for creating new organisms with specific functions, such as threat monitoring.

Even the simplest cells can have complex functions, such as being able to move in a particular direction or glow in the dark. The idea is to make these capabilities useful to humans by directing their natural functions and adding non-natural functions to a cell's repertoire.

In one instance, ONR is examining synthetic cell circuits, which is a genetic programs designed by scientists either to make a cell perform a certain task or change the way a cell would normally do the task. For example, plants have been engineered to turn white when they detect trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a visual cue to their handlers.

"We're developing better ways to program cells to detect things we're interested in-like explosives-and then communicate that they've found that chemical to a device like a robot," said Dr. Linda Chrisey, ONR program officer for naval biosciences and bio-centric technology. "For example, you could grow these special cells on a silicon chip that's part of a robot. When the cells detect something and respond, they would communicate this information to the 'mother ship'-the autonomous robot system."

One of ONR's biggest successes to date was a TNT-detecting plant. This "plant sentinel" transitioned to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Department of Homeland Security in 2010. A small company was founded to modify this plant for other applications, such as chemical warfare detection and crop security.

"The grand plan is to try and take advantage of the natural capabilities of microbes to collect chemical and physical signal information of different types and process this information," Chrisey said. "We already make a lot of medicines and industrial products using cells and engineered cells. Synthetic biology is going to smarten that process up, make it less susceptible to failure and save money by allowing us greater control of the engineered cells."

Another initiative is looking at microbes that use carbon dioxide and electrical current for their metabolism and programming them to make liquid fuels.

"Eventually, in a remote location, with just a vial of these organisms and materials that most people consider to be waste products, Sailors and Marines could potentially make organic compounds, such as fuel, medicine or polymers, on demand, even under austere conditions," Chrisey said.

In the long term, synthetic circuits offer possibilities for enabling new methods for manufacturing. These new processes can be used: to make certain products, such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals; as medical devices and therapies for infection control, regenerating tissues and disease treatment; as environmental sensors and pollution treatments; and for micro-robotic systems.

The Multidisciplinary University Initiative (MURI) launched today, "Next-generation genetic devices: Model-guided Discovery and Optimization of Cell-Based Sensors," is aimed at applying tools from synthetic biology to construct high-performance and robust genetic sensors that respond to non-natural signals, such as non-visible wavelengths of light (ultraviolet and infrared) and magnetic fields.

This program is expected to contribute to the development of "smart" hybrid biological-robotic systems that will detect threats in the environment. The universities involved are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State, Rice University, Rutgers University, California Institute of Technology and University of Minnesota.

MURI efforts involve teams of researchers investigating high-priority topics and opportunities that involve more than one technical area. This multidisciplinary approach often stimulates innovations, accelerates research progress and expedites transition of results into naval applications.

A NAVY RESEARCH FLOATING INSTRUMENT PLATFORM PARTIALLY SUBMERGED

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Floating Instrument Platform, or FLIP, is partially submerged in the Pacific Ocean. the 355-foot research vessel, owned by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and operated by the Marine Physical Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, is celebrating 50 years of operation. FLIP conducts investigations in acoustics, oceanography, meteorology and marine mammal observation. U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams (Released) 120630-N-PO203-274

NAVY USING RESEARCH TO IMPROVE WEATHER PREDICTIONS

Photo Credit:  NASA.
FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Navy Researchers Seek To Improve Weather Prediction For Global Operations 
ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- With the Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning this month, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is pursuing a number of projects to help Navy forecasters and meteorologists around the world predict storms better.

ONR's efforts in funding ocean research are yielding enhanced weather and ocean prediction models-highlighted in a new video-that help Navy leaders understand how to route ships around the globe to avoid storms, reduce fuel consumption, avoid Arctic ice flows and promote safety at sea.

"Weather is one of the most significant factors affecting naval operations at sea," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder. "ONR-funded research in weather prediction is improving the Navy's forecasting capability and accuracy for any location around the world where our Sailors and Marines are conducting missions."

At the Fleet Weather Center in Norfolk, Va., Navy meteorologists depend on ONR-developed weather models and tools to provide timely, comprehensive and tactically-relevant products and services to support fleet training and operations. "We use real-time sensing data, observations from ships and combine that with modeling outputs to try and get as far ahead of the bad weather as possible," said Cmdr. Adam Newton, operations officer. "This information improves safety at sea and can give the fleet a real warfighting advantage."

While the Navy forecasters focus on supporting Fleet operations around the world, ONR often partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) because the same data and weather models that Navy forecasters use also help NOAA to provide accurate weather prediction and storm warnings across the country.

"There is a concerted effort to link various atmospheric and oceanic models together to attain more accurate weather forecasts," said Dan Eleuterio, an ONR program officer. Eleuterio is working on a new computer model called the Tropical Cyclone Coupled Ocean/Atmospheric Mesoscale Prediction System, or TC-COAMPS, which allows scientists to forecast storms' track and strength in real time at high resolution. It was the first dynamic model to demonstrate better skill than statistical approaches at NOAA's National Hurricane Center, and is one of several Navy and NOAA models being evaluated by the National Weather Service's Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program.

"Up until now, predicting the intensity of storms was done with statistical-dynamical models," said Eleuterio. "What that means is that forecasters would look at several decades of observed data and they would simply say that if a storm is in this place this season, it is most likely going to get stronger or weaker or change. It wasn't an actual prediction, and TC-COAMPS will change that as a next-generation weather prediction model."

ONR researchers work with underwater autonomous vehicles, ocean gliders and other sensors to collect information about how much the ocean environment drives global weather patterns. That data helps scientists improve mathematical equations for computer models that predict weather, ocean, sea, and even Arctic ice conditions.

The Navy has a long history of conducting missions in the Arctic for research and military purposes, and in 2009 published the Navy Arctic Roadmap to help ensure naval readiness and capability and promote maritime security in the Arctic region. Developed by the Navy's Task Force Climate Change, the plan includes increasing operational experience, promoting cooperative partnerships and improving environmental understanding.

"The Arctic ice flows are retreating, and that has strategic implications for our country and naval operations in that region of the world as sea lanes open for shipping," said Rear Adm. David Titley, director of the Navy's Task Force Climate Change. "ONR research is helping us understand the Arctic environment, which helps us predict conditions and design future Navy ships better suited for that tough mission."

Tracking the sea ice cover is the responsibility of the National Ice Center (NIC), a multi-agency organization operated by the Navy, NOAA and the United States Coast Guard in Suitland, Md. "Weather modeling is really key to better understanding and forecasting of changing ice conditions in the Arctic," said Pablo Clemente-Col?n, NIC's chief scientist.

In the future, ONR researchers hope to combine multiple weather prediction models to create a comprehensive coupled global model that will greatly extend prediction capability, accuracy and our understanding of the world's environment.

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH TO SHOW OFF ON WALL STREET

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
110529-N-PS473-271 NEW YORK (May 29, 2011) Service members surround a sand sculpture created for a special taping of the "Sand Masters" television show salute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation during Fleet Week New York 2011. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984 and is an opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the capabilities of today's maritime services.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released) 


ONR to Showcase Futuristic Technologies at Fleet Week New York 
By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is taking some of its hottest technologies and hands-on science activities to the city that never sleeps during Fleet Week New York May 23-30, a free event open to the public.

"This is a great opportunity to connect with others across the maritime family and with New Yorkers to show how ONR's work is improving their armed forces' capabilities and national security," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder. "We thank New York for showing its appreciation to those who serve and honoring the heroes who've made the ultimate sacrifice."

ONR will have exhibits on Piers 86 and 92. At Pier 92, ONR is featuring some of its cutting-edge technologies. Making its first Fleet Week appearance is the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet flight simulator. Visitors can try piloting a virtual F/A-18 featuring newly developed flight control software that aids landing aboard aircraft carriers.

Other featured technologies include:
* Catapult Capacity Selector Valve Calculator-a handheld electronic device with custom software that allows flight deck officers to accurately and quickly compute the proper catapult setting for aircraft carrier launches
* Fuel Cell Vehicle-this automotive technology runs on hydrogen-powered fuel cells rather than a standard internal combustion engine, producing zero emissions
* Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate Vehicle-an unmanned vehicle designed to re-supply troops, reduce the loads carried by Marines and provide an immediate means for evacuating combat casualties
* Improved Flight Deck Uniform-includes new, safer head protection; a more durable, quick-drying and comfortable jersey; a coat that acts as a flotation device in emergencies; and trousers with secure pockets and an improved fit
* Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System-a remotely operated unmanned ground vehicle that can provide remote targeting and weapons engagement, as well as advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
* Multiple Weapon Control Sight-an infantry weapon fire control unit that mounts to the side of numerous weapon systems to provide ballistic fire control with a range knob and light-emitting diode (LED) display screen
* Octavia-a mobile, dexterous, social robot that moves on wheels and can express humanlike facial expressions, gesture with her hands and move objects

At Pier 86, next to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, ONR will display two of its project-based educational outreach tools: SeaPerch and Physics of Sail. Visitors can take part in the SeaPerch national, curriculum-based STEM education program by "driving" the underwater remotely operated vehicle. Physics of Sail gives attendees the opportunity to construct boats from aluminum foil, Popsicle sticks and paper sails and race them across a pool to test construction and design.

Since 1984, Fleet Week New York has served as the city's celebration of the sea services. According to organizers, the event provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and view some of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard's latest capabilities. The event includes military demonstrations and displays, as well as tours of some participating ships.

ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 30 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and more than 900 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,065 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

NAVY RECRUITS PLAYERS FOR ENERGY CHALLENGED WAR GAMES

Credit:  Wikimedia
FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Navy Recruits Players for Online Wargame to Tackle Energy Challenges
From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's Energy and Environmental Readiness Division (OPNAV N45), together with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), invites civic and military collaboration in energyMMOWGLI (Massive Multiplayer Online Wargame Leveraging the Internet) May 22-24.

The game will build on efforts to improve the U.S. Navy's combat capability and energy security, particularly by promoting energy efficiency and diversifying its energy supply (use of alternative energy), which will ultimately reduce reliance on fossil fuels from overseas.

Scheduled to run for three days, energyMMOWGLI will immerse players in a future energy scenario from the year 2022 (view scenario at http://portal.mmowgli.nps.edu), and will ask them to generate ideas about how to reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency, and diversify its energy supply for the sake of future strategic readiness.

The game will be "an examination of what our energy future looks like if we fail to act now," said Cmdr. James Goudreau, director of the Navy Energy Coordination Office. "Every day that petroleum prices increase, it erodes our ability to train for and execute operations that our nation demands of us. Little by little, that results in decreased combat capability, and that is something we simply cannot accept."

Through use of the energyMMOWGLI, Goudreau says, "We hope to increase the awareness of energy security as a national security issue as well as stimulating discussion that will allow the Navy to achieve greater energy resiliency and combat readiness."

Inviting broad-based participation - both civilian and military - is part of the strategy for a more secure energy footing in the context of a more uncertain energy future.

"We're hoping for an extremely diverse set of players including talented thoughtful players from academia, industry, military, government, NGOs, and global citizens," said Goudreau.

The game invites players to bring everything they know about energy from strategies they use at home to their workplace conversations, from their professional knowledge to their wildest imaginings. MMOWGLI is "an online game platform designed to elicit collective intelligence from an engaged pool of world-wide players to solve real problems facing the Navy and Marine Corps," said Dr. Larry Schuette, director of innovation at ONR. The energyMMOWGLI game motto is: Play the game, change the game.

Players can view the future scenario and pre-register now online at http://portal.mmowgli.nps.edu. The Naval Postgraduate School and Palo Alto, Calif.-based Institute for the Future are partnering with N45 and ONR on the energyMMOWGLI project.