U.S. Navy Task Force Ocean

Task Force Ocean 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. John Okon, in close coordination with Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David Hahn. 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.

Special notice: ONR is interested in research to support the Task Force Ocean initiative. View solicitation number N00014-19-S-SN04 on the FedBizOpps.gov website for information about research focus areas, white paper submission guidelines and evaluation timelines. Requests for additional information can be submitted to: taskforceocean.fct@navy.mil

Near Term Efforts

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.

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

Fund targeted research. Fund targeted research via:

  • University grants (Grad students and Post-Docs)
  • Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer programs

Issue Navy Grand Challenges.Issue Navy Grand Challenges for specific naval challenges.

Contact Us

Please contact us via email: taskforceocean.fct@navy.mil

Desired Outcomes

  • Advance Navy-relevant ocean science in the U.S.
  • Energize partnerships between the Navy, academia and the private sector
  • Grow the Navy’s ocean science talent pool

Completed Focus Area Workshops

Enhanced sensing and observations of the ocean environment

Understanding, Modeling and Prediction

Naval Applications and Decision Aids

  • Distribution of this workshop report is authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and their contractors (Distribution C). Authorized individuals can request a copy via: taskforceocean.fct@navy.mil

Human Capital and Technical Workforce

Recent News

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