Bob Freeman

Office of Naval Research

An unmanned rigid-hull inflatable boat operates autonomously during an ONR-sponsored demo of swarmboat technology.

Autonomous Unmanned Swarming Boats

Swarming boats were recently put through their paces and previewed the potential future of naval missions.

Researchers prepare to drop a buoy into the Arctic Ocean. Scientists sponsored by the Office of Naval Research have traveled to the region to study the changing environment-and provide new tools to help the US Navy operate in a once-inaccessible area.

Changing Environment Opens the Arctic

Will ice melt heat up naval operations in Arctic Ocean?

These are two of the potential designs being considered for the Acute Care Cover for the Severely Injured Limb (ACCSIL), a breakthrough medical wrap that will not only cover injured limbs, but also mitigate damage and protect tissue for up to three days.

Wraps Could Save Life & Limb

The medical wraps will not only cover injured limbs, but also mitigate damage and protect tissue for up to three days.

Meet EMILY the robotic lifeguard. Officially known as the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, EMILY is a remote-controlled buoy that recently was used to rescue nearly 300 Syrian migrants from drowning in the waters off the Greek island of Lesbos.

EMILY Robot is a Lifesaver

She's tough, capable of punching through 30-foot waves and riptides or smashing into rocks and reefs. But she's also tender, providing hope to those in peril.

The state-of-the-art R/V Neil Armstrong recently arrived at its home port, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). The Navy-owned research vessel, operated by Woods Hole under a charter agreement with the Office of Naval Research, will start embarking on maritime research missions in the next few months.

Navy Vessel Finds New Home

The Neil Armstrong replaces the "black smoker" that served as the command ship during the Titanic wreck discovery.