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ONR 80th Anniversary

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ONR 80th Anniversary Logo

Delivering the Naval Future Since 1946

The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Office of Naval Research. From our beginnings as the first U.S. military organization dedicated to wide-ranging, basic scientific research — to the agile command leading aggressive research portfolios that deliver advanced warfighting capability — our story has always been one of forward-leaning transformation.

Dig Into Our History

Just as we reimagine the naval future today, ONR has been in the business of pioneering, naval science and technology (S&T) research since its establishment on August 1, 1946. ONR-sponsored S&T laid the foundation for the first digital, real-time computing systems; supported early groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence and directed energy; and helped create the first autonomous vehicles and robotic systems.

Learn More

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Project Whirlwind

Celebrate With Us

Join us on social media where we will be highlighting stories of ONR's contributions to the Fleet and Force.

  • Visit us on social media @officeofnavalresearch (Facebook and LinkedIn) and @usnavyresearch (X and Instagram)

  • Follow #ONR80 to stay up-to-date on anniversary information and activities