Scientists to Sea
ONR Global sponsors exciting opportunities for government scientists and engineers to connect with naval operational forces at work. The Scientists to Sea program engenders an ongoing dialogue between the scientific community and the fleet.
Participants in the Scientists to Sea program observe a large cross-section of naval warfighting capabilities and provide a link between research programs and the nation’s defense program. In exchanges with the fleet, Scientists to Sea provide the fleet with a better understanding of the Office of Naval Research, Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Research Enterprise.
A typical tour runs two to four days aboard a warship at sea. Each participant receives a ship-rider orientation prior to boarding and, once aboard, is appointed with a ship sponsor. Over the course of the tour, participants engage with crew and officers in his/her area of expertise.
The program extends to undersea, pier, field and aircraft carrier environments as follows:
Undersea: Submarine tours vary from one to several days. Same-day out and back underway visits are possible from some locations. Participants must possess a secret clearance or higher and must pass the health record review outlined in Secretary of the Navy´s Instruction 6420.1D (Physical Requirements for Non-submarine Personnel Embarked in Submarines). Travel funding to and from embarkation and debarkation points must be paid by the employee's command.
Pier: Port and training center tours begin with charter bus transportation to an array of warships and submarines. Previous tours have included the E2-C Hawkeye training center, an LCAC squadron and the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group. Local science advisors representing the Marine Corps, Submarine Force, Aviation Force and Joint Forces will meet with the scientists for a unique no-host dinner in Norfolk.
Field: These tours provide immersion into the rustic conditions faced by Marines during their daily duties. Field tours extend to training ranges and equipment such as the Mojave Viper, the Infantry Immersive Trainer, the MV-22 and other vehicles used by the Marines. Participants may ride on an amphibious navy vessel like the Landing Craft Air Cushion, or one of many ground vehicles, such as a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle or light-armored vehicle. Participants will use inter-squad radios, eat meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), and experience the 80-lb. pack and gear used by Marines.
Carrier: Participants spend one to four days aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN), observing day and night flight operations from the flight deck and from the island. These scientists engage with fleet operators and officers in their area of expertise to obtain a real understanding of life aboard a CVN and the challenges Sailors face everyday. If interested in participating, contact Andrew Kostic.