The Chief of Naval Research (CNR) has issued a historic call for innovative ideas to support the Navy and Marine Corps of the future.

Leap-ahead technologies and cutting-edge concepts are the focus of the new CNR Concept Challenge [www.navalengineers.org/Symposia/2017-Naval-Future-Force-Science-and-Technology-Expo/Program/CNR-Concept-Challenge], with finalists to be announced at the Naval Future Force S&T Expo, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., July 20-21. The Expo is co-sponsored by the American Society of Naval Engineers.

"I am looking for visionary ideas that really get out in front of the rapid, ever-accelerating technology development and deployment cycle," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. David J. Hahn. "With new advances taking place at breakneck speeds, across multiple domains, the truth is that the 'Navy and Marine Corps After Next' is being created right now."

"I need people to think big, and then imagine even more."

The concepts in the CNR Challenge need to keep naval ships, aircraft and personnel always at an advantage, and help Sailors and Marines either deter conflict or win decisively and return safely.

"We want our men and women on the front lines to have such a dominant technological edge that potential adversaries don't even try to challenge us," said Hahn.

All idea submissions will be reviewed by a team of subject matter experts within the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Finalists must be registered for the Expo, at http://www.navalengineers.org/Symposia/2017-Naval-Future-Force-Science-and-Technology-Expo, to be selected and will be announced at the event by the CNR during his opening remarks.

The Expo provides an opportunity for finalists to meet with appropriate ONR subject matter experts and program officers for further exploration of each concept-and potential for follow-on work.

Watch a new video, at https://youtu.be/hKYiNPfZe1o , of Rear Adm. Hahn discussing the role of naval research in maintaining America's maritime superiority.

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