Full Steam Ahead for Navy's Science

 

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has begun a new era, as Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter-a decorated aviator with advanced degrees in both computer science and national resource strategy-was sworn in as the chief of naval research (CNR).

Winter officially took the helm of ONR, the organization that leads Navy and Marine Corps research efforts, during a change-of-command held on Dec. 30. The ceremony was held at the Pentagon and officiated by the Honorable Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development and acquisition).

"As the next Chief of Naval Research, I look forward to leading the ONR team in stretching the limits of physics and discovering the next generation of breakthrough technologies to ensure a dominant, capable and relevant naval force for the future," said Winter.

"Our Navy/Marine Corps research enterprise has a rich history of discovering and inventing game-changing technologies that has truly shifted the corpus of human knowledge and enabled our Sailors and Marines to retain the decisive warfighting advantage where it matters, when it matters."

As head of ONR, Winter will oversee the nearly $2 billion Department of the Navy budget for naval science and technology programs. ONR supports scientific 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, Winter also will serve as director, Innovation Technology Requirements, and Test and Evaluation (OPNAV-N84).

He relieves Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, who is retiring from the Navy after 32 years of naval service and three years as CNR.

"I'm honored to be given this unique command opportunity as I build upon Rear Adm. Klunder's successes in bringing together the brightest minds across the Department of the Navy, academia and industry to solve our toughest technological challenges," he said.

As a flag officer, Winter served as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division; assistant commander for test and evaluation, Naval Air Systems Command; and Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. Highlights of his earlier naval career include flying operational missions as an A6E Intruder bombardier/navigator, chief of staff to the PEO for tactical aircraft performance and major program manager of the DoN's Precision Strike Weapons portfolio.

He holds a Master's Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and also from the National Defense University's Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Winter, a native of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, graduated from Shippensburg Area High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

Winter will be the opening speaker at the Naval Future Force Science & Technology EXPO in Washington, D.C. The EXPO, to be held Feb. 4-5, also will feature a keynote speech from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert.

On the first day, Winter will join other Department of Defense leaders for a discussion on science and technology priorities. On the second day, he will moderate a discussion on research, development, testing and evaluation.