ARLINGTON, Va.-The Office of Naval Research (ONR) began a new era today, as Rear Adm. David J. Hahn-a decorated submarine commander and naval acquisition officer-was sworn in as the new chief of naval research (CNR) at a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
He succeeds Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter, a decorated aviator with advanced degrees in both computer science and national resource strategy. Winter is joining the F-35 Joint Program Office as deputy director, Joint Strike Fighter Program.
Hahn holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a master's degree in Business Administration and has completed advanced studies in International Security Affairs.
The ceremony was officiated by the Hon. Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development and acquisition).
"The work done by the Office of Naval Research is essential for the future force of Sailors and Marines," said Hahn. "With the best and most advanced technologies in their hands, and on their ships, submarines and aircraft, our warfighters will be able to accomplish their missions whenever and wherever they are required."
Hahn said he is honored to take command of the Navy's leading science and technology organization. Established in 1946 by public law, ONR's mission is to "plan, foster and encourage scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance as related to the maintenance of future naval power, and the preservation of national security."
As new head of ONR, Hahn will oversee the roughly $2 billion Department of the Navy budget for naval science and technology programs. ONR supports science efforts around the world, from basic and conceptual research to applied research and even quick-turnaround technologies requested by Sailors and Marines.
Concurrent with the duties of CNR, he also will serve as director, Innovation Technology Requirements, and Test and Evaluation (OPNAV-N94).
Winter said the command will be in excellent hands with Hahn.
"Admiral Hahn is a tested leader with bold, innovative ideas, underpinned by a unique blend of acquisition and operational expertise that will ensure ONR and N94 continue to move forward to the next level," he said.
Winter's tenure as CNR has been marked by breakthrough accomplishments across the fields of directed energy; cyber; electromagnetic maneuver warfare; unmanned and autonomous systems; and synthetic biology. Some of the programs that matured significantly under his leadership include Data-Focused Naval Tactical Cloud; Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology; Automated Critical Care System; Ground-Based Air Defense; and many more.
Stackley presented Winter with the Distinguished Service Medal for his work at ONR since 2014.
Hahn said he is grateful for Winter's leadership and legacy, and looks forward to leading the command into the future.
"I'm excited to have an opportunity to lead an organization with the legacy of this incredible enterprise that stretches all the way back to Thomas Edison," he said. "I look forward to continuing the outstanding tradition of excellence established by my predecessor.
"With new and cutting-edge capabilities opening up in the sciences-and as our adversaries tirelessly work to advance their own capabilities-it's essential that the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps retain the technological edge."
David Smalley is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.
Office of Naval Research Turns 70
ONR celebrates 70 years of innovation in 2016. For seven decades, ONR through its commands —including ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. — has been leading the discovery, development and delivery of technology innovations for the Navy and Marine Corps.
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