Basic Physiological Sciences

Due to the heightened risk for engagement at sea with near-peer adversaries, shipboard combat-related emergencies and subsequent damage control (DC) responses/mass causality at sea scenarios may be a defining feature of future U.S. Navy operations. The goal of this research area is to understand and mitigate the negative physiological effects of DC activities on sailors. DC activities contain shipboard damage; manage consequences; recover capabilities; and sustain the ship’s combat effort. DC activities commonly include firefighting; flood control; structural support/repairs; combat system repair; ordnance clearance; and causality care. The activities are largely performed by sailors trained in various DC functions and conducted in the extremely hazardous conditions present in damaged shipboard spaces. Hazards may include extreme heat, fire, smoke, toxic compounds, chemical/biological agents (CBA) or radiation. As such, countermeasures that improve or prolong the ability of sailors to safely and effectively function under these conditions may have a direct impact on ship recoverability. Examples may include CBA platform or firefighting ensemble advancements. Further, real-time sensing/monitoring of environmental hazards coupled with sailor health status and location within shipboard spaces may enable more efficient allocation of personnel resources during DC scenarios, and ultimately enhance ship recoverability. Finally, in the event of ship loss, technologies that reduce the effects of exposure on sailors adrift at sea for extended periods, as well as those that can communicate sailor location/health status to search and rescue units may improve sailor survivability at sea. The program officer is interested in engaging with performers on fundamental and applied research efforts aimed at developing interventions targeted at this continuum of problem sets.