U.S. Navy Task Force Ocean

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Task Force Ocean (TFO) was established in March 2017 to advance Navy-relevant ocean science through strengthened partnerships with academia and the private sector.

The Task Force is directed by Oceanographer of the Navy Rear Adm. Ron Piret, in close coordination with Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Kurt Rothenhaus. It was developed in coordination with an executive steering committee includes leadership from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Pacific Fleet, U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is currently supporting a Task Force Ocean (TFO) Department Research Initiative (DRI) that is expected to run from FY21-FY24. Research funded under this effort will result in new sensing, modeling and prediction techniques that will enhance our scientific understanding of a complex but coupled environment.

Near Term Efforts

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Restart ONR’s Tactical Oceanography Symposia

These events will address large operational and scientific challenges for the Navy and discuss ways our academic and operational partners can assist with targeted research efforts.

• First symposium, "Oceanography, Big Data, and Opportunities in Naval Warfare," was held October 17-19 in San Diego and co-hosted by the Navy's Undersea Warfare Development Command.
• Second symposium, “Environmental Support for Theater ASW,” was held June 4-6 at the Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, and co-hosted by the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.
• Third symposium: "Distributed Systems in Undersea Warfare - Their Environmental Support Needs and Opportunities They Offer for Environmental Assessment," was held November 13-15 in Chantilly, Virginia.

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Enhance ONR’s Scientists to Sea program

This program offers research partners an opportunity to experience first-hand how sailors use tactical oceanographic information. These opportunities will include:

• Submarines
• Submarine training facilities
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) watch floors
• Naval Oceanography Operational Centers
• Undersea Warfighting Development Centers