From SECNAV Public Relations, October 23, 2024
ATLANTA – October 23, 2024 – The Secretary of the Navy, Hon. Carlos del Toro, today visited the Georgia Tech Research Institute to learn more about the importance of research and development in maintaining naval superiority and warfighting excellence. emphasized the role. The Secretary addressed students and faculty at Georgia Tech, as well as Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps students at Georgia Tech, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to national security.
The Secretary’s visit highlighted the Navy’s efforts to foster strategic partnerships with academic institutions like Georgia Tech. GTRI, Georgia Tech’s applied research division, plays a critical role in developing cutting-edge technology for the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense.
“Georgia Tech is a powerhouse of innovation, and GTRI research is critical to ensuring our nation’s Sailors and Marines have the technological edge they need to win in every conflict,” said Secretary Del Toro. said. “The work being done here, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, and electromagnetic spectrum operations, aligns directly with the Navy’s strategic priorities.”
The Secretary highlighted GTRI’s contributions to the DON, including:
Collaborative Research: GTRI works closely with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and other Departments of Defense to address specific technology needs.
Contribution to research and development: GTRI develops advanced systems such as autonomous vehicles, millimeter wave radar technology, and electronic warfare solutions.
Prototyping and Testing: GTRI provides facilities for testing and validating new technologies that meet military specifications.
Technology Transition: GTRI is focused on translating research findings into real-world applications and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Navy and broader defense community.
The Secretary’s remarks also emphasized the importance of innovation in the face of evolving global challenges.
“To win the battles of the future, we must embrace and deploy new technologies,” del Toro said. “We are in an innovation race and we have to win it.”
The Secretary highlighted several DON innovation initiatives including:
Naval Science and Technology Strategy: This strategy guides the Navy and Marine Corps’ investments in science and technology research.
Naval Postgraduate School’s Naval Innovation Center (NIC): The NIC accelerates the innovation process by quickly taking research concepts from the lab to the field.
Department of the Navy Science and Technology Committee: This committee provides independent advice and counsel on science, technology, and acquisition matters.
Disruptive Capabilities Office (DCO): The DCO identifies and implements already available or emerging technologies to address fleet capability gaps.
“As today’s adversaries deploy more advanced technological threats, we appreciate the Secretary of the Navy taking the time to visit with Atlanta District NROTC cadets,” said Jesús, Atlanta District NROTC Commander. Colonel Rodriguez said. “Our cadets and NROTC staff were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when the Secretary personally conveyed to future naval officers the importance of continued research in science and technology. We all appreciated the opportunity to meet with Navy leaders and hear from them highlighting the importance of student initiatives in developing skills in naval careers.”
The Executive Director concluded with a call to action to the students in attendance.
“Innovation must permeate every aspect of our department’s approach to deliver the technology and capabilities at the speed and scale necessary for our Navy and Marine Corps to meet current and future challenges.”
Read Secretary Del Toro’s remarks here.
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