LONDON, U.K.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global welcomed new leadership during a change of command ceremony at the Admiralty House Garden in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, while also commemorating its 80th anniversary. Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin C. Selby officiated the ceremony, which was attended by U.S. and Royal Navy representatives.
Capt. Matthew Farr was sworn in as ONR Global commanding officer, taking over for Capt. James P. Borghardt. Farr flew P-3s, served in naval aviation program management and most recently served as the executive officer of ONR Global. He is a 1996 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, holds a Master of Systems Analysis from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the NAVAIR Leadership Development Program.
“The research and partnerships being advanced around the world by ONR Global are critical to our future,” said Selby. “Over the last few years, Capt. Borghardt has done an incredible job, including guiding ONR Global through the pandemic.
“As we salute him for his distinguished leadership, we welcome Capt. Farr as CO. Skipper, I look forward to working with you in the days ahead.”
ONR Global’s mission of being the partner of choice for science and technology leaders worldwide started 80 years ago in London, its headquarters. Today, the command has physical presence in six other locations around the globe, with scientists stationed in Japan, Brazil, Singapore, Australia, Chile and Czech Republic, building trust-based relationships with key international partners.
“I am excited to be a part of this organization, helping to create an environment for collaboration on cutting edge research and technology, and to build partnerships around the world for maritime security,” said Farr. “These partnerships will continue to be increasingly important as we face the challenges of the future. Building on our 80-year legacy, we look forward to even greater success.”
Borghardt thanked the ONR Global team for outstanding work across the world during his time in command. “I am incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to work with the finest innovation experts in the globe. Despite a truly challenging year due to the pandemic, ONR Global has defied the odds and measurably increased both the number and quality of the trusted partnerships that are the precursor for innovation discovery and development.
“Just over 80 years ago, during another very challenging period in human history, like-minded champions of science and technology, dedicated to freedom and maritime security, had the foresight to recognize that through collaboration and trusted partnerships, disruptive innovations such as RADAR could provide the naval power needed to make the world a better place for all people. To have been a part of that legacy for the past four years has been the honor of my career.”
ONR Global sponsors scientific efforts outside of the U.S., working with scientists and partners worldwide to discover and advance naval capabilities.