75th Anniversary of The Office of Naval Research

Floor Speech

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Mr. REED. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Inhofe and myself, as the ranking member and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, we rise to commemorate and celebrate the Office of Naval Research and its contributions to our Sea Services, national defense, and the advancement of scientific and technological discovery on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.

World War II underscored how science and technology could determine winners and losers on the battlefield. In the aftermath of the war, Congress established the Office of Naval Research on August 1, 1946, to ``plan, foster, and encourage scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance as related to the maintenance of future naval power, and the preservation of national security.''

Since then, the Office of Naval Research has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research that has resulted in lasting military supremacy not only on and in the seas, but also in the skies, on land, and in space. Its model of effective collaboration between military, government, academic, and industry entities also paved the way for further technological advancement, recreated not only in the other military services but also through National Science Foundation and DARPA. Put simply, its impact is seen and felt not only in our Armed Forces, but in the lives of all Americans.

In its earliest days, the Office of Naval Research pioneered key fields of computing and directed energy. The office brought humans to the highest heights and the deepest depths, and its work led to some of the most consequential technological advancements of the 20th century, including: the laser; Project Whirlwind, one of the first digital computers; the first autonomous robot; and the atomic clock, which made precision satellite navigation possible. The invention of virtually every important sensor and undersea vehicle that has allowed us to explore and better understand our vast oceans is a result of the stewardship of the Office of Naval Research.

Moreover, nearly every platform used by the Navy and Marine Corps relies in some way on technology developed or advanced by the Office of Naval Research. From lifesaving medical advances such as QuikClot, to more lethal and effective ships and weapons, the Office of Naval Research has changed the way we fight and win wars. The Office of Naval Research will continue to shape the future as well; its programs are continuously advancing the fields of artificial intelligence, autonomous weaponry, networking, directed energy, warfighter performance, maritime awareness, and next-generation power.

We are proud to honor the achievements of the Office of Naval Research, and we hope the Members of the Senate will join us in recognizing the incredible innovation and scientific leadership this distinguished organization has provided not only to our sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, and guardians, but also to the American people over the past 75 years.

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