The Office of Naval Research (ONR) coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through leadership in basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development.
As the Navy’s lead organization for science and technology investment, ONR is responsible for planning and executing the Navy’s science and technology programs within its five strategic goals: warfighting readiness; power projection; global reach; battle space awareness; and sea base resiliency. In addition to these responsibilities, ONR also serves as the Navy’s liaison to the National Science Foundation (NSF) on matters concerning naval research.
The Office of Naval Research Headquarters is located in Arlington, Virginia, adjacent to Pentagon City in Washington, D.C. The current Director of Naval Research is Rear Admiral Mathias W. Winter.
ONR was established by an act of Congress on August 1st 1946 with a mission “to initiate, stimulate, and promote scientific investigation into problems that concern the operation of naval vessels and their aircraft during wartime” as well as “the promotion Of such investigation peacetime uses Of their results”. In May 1949 it became part of Department Of Defense (DoD). It moved from New York City To Arlington Va In December 1957.
Overseeing all ONR activity is a small group composed of civilian scientists appointed by the President And confirmed by The Senate known As The Committee On Foreign Investment In The United States (CFIUS). This group works alongside An advisory group made up representatives from each military service known As The Joint Chiefs Of Staff (JCS), which provides advice directly To The President On Military Matters