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NAVSEA Chief Engineer Presents ONR's Next Distinguished Lecture

For Immediate Release: Jan 01, 2011
By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will host its next distinguished lecturer Dec. 13 with a narrative that involves a torpedoed ship and global intrigue.

Rear Adm. Thomas J. Eccles, Naval Sea Systems Command’s chief engineer and deputy commander for naval systems engineering, will speak about the inquiry into the attack against the Republic of Korea warship Cheonan in March 2010, which led to the ship’s sinking and the loss of 46 crewmembers—as well as the conclusion that a North Korean submarine-launched torpedo was responsible. His discussion, “The International Investigation Into the Sinking of the Cheonan,” will begin at 2 p.m. at ONR.

“Rear Adm. Eccles’ recent experiences as part of the investigation into the Cheonan’s loss and as a member of the National Academy of Engineering committee looking into the Deepwater Horizon accident are noteworthy, and they highlight the recognition of his expertise and judgment outside the Department of the Navy,” said Dr. Larry Schuette, ONR’s director of innovation. “His talk will offer a glimpse inside the expertise of our systems commands and their personnel in supporting the international maritime mission.”

The ONR Distinguished Lecture Series is sponsored by the director of innovation and features one-hour sessions with prominent scientists, engineers and warfighters. These experts discuss exciting and cutting-edge work that informs military science and technology issues and policies. Previous speakers have included Nobel Laureates and eminent military officers.

For these lectures, “ONR continues to seek out leaders who are articulate and passionate about their accomplishments,” Schuette said.

All sessions will be held at ONR’s headquarters at 875 N. Randolph Road, 14th floor, Arlington, Va. 22203. (Directions are available online.)

All visitors must present a valid photo I.D. to enter ONR’s facility. Visitors should arrive 15 minutes early to complete ONR’s security procedures and have an on-site contact ready to escort them into the building. Garage parking is available to visitors with a valid Department of Defense facility badge; general parking is available nearby.

For more information, contact Dr. Chris Fall in the ONR Office of Innovation at 703-696-4302.

About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research 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, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners. ONR, through its commands, including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.