ARLINGTON, Va.—For contributions to emergent technologies from augmented-reality training to tactical cyber warfare, Lt. Cmdr. Tom McAndrew of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) yesterday became the first ONR Reservist to win a Federal 100 Award.
The awards are presented to government, industry and academic leaders who have played pivotal roles in the use of information technology by the federal government.
McAndrew’s recognition comes during the centennial of the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“With 190 dedicated Reservists engaged in ONR’s work here and around the world, we would not be able to accomplish our mission without their daily contribution,” said ONR Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Mat Winter.
“I want to congratulate this great American institution for 100 years of distinguished service in defense of this country,” said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter about the centennial. “In every conflict since World War I, our Reserve Sailors have served with courage and distinction, making vital contributions to the history of the Navy and our nation.”
As an ONR Reservist, McAndrew has supported a number of cyber and electronic warfare efforts.
For his work, he was recognized as ONR’s 2014 Reserve Science and Technology Officer of the Year.
His efforts contributed to more than a dozen special projects that have been funded and delivered—including augmented-reality glasses, unmanned air and ground vehicles and the first cyber training ranges designed specifically for tactical cyber training for the Marine Corps. All of these technologies were successfully tested during Navy and Marine Corps exercises last November.
“The tactical cyber range was one of the most important projects that we delivered,” said McAndrew. “The research was based on direct input from the Marines and others operating at the tactical edge. Tactical cyber is warfare conducted out in the field, where you may not have an Internet connection, a stable power or adequate bandwidth.”
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Christian Fitzpatrick, a former ONR tactical cyber special projects officer, said McAndrew’s efforts were pivotal.
“During our exercise, Tom embedded himself with signal survey teams participating in the exercise to assess the value of multiple technologies developed for the warfighter,” said Fitzpatrick. “This interaction was crucial, and allowed Tom to better guide system modifications to meet contract requirements following the exercise.”
While reflecting on his Reserve service, McAndrew said, “When I was on active duty, I thought that Reservists just spent a few weeks a year and a few days a month supporting the Navy. The truth is that many Reservists are so integrated into active-duty missions that they are indistinguishable.”
McAndrews shared the top four reasons
why being an ONR Reservist is proving to be a rewarding experience.
The Federal 100 Awards are presented by Federal Computer Week (FCW), based in the Washington, D.C., area, a nationally read publication focused on technology use by the federal government. Prior winners include U.S. senators and representatives, naval leadership and industry CEOs.
Office of Naval Research
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