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Throughout this nation's history, oceanography has been an 

 important contributor to successful Naval operations, and will be 

 increasingly important in the future. By the nature of its 

 mission. Navy must be a leader in ocean research and programs 

 describing its operating environment. Partnerships in 

 oceanography between Navy, other Federal agencies, academia, and 

 industry improve not only Navy capabilities, but support many 

 civil applications as well. This statement addresses the reasons 

 oceanography is essential to Naval operations, why Navy 

 leadership in this area is critical, and discusses the importance 

 of cooperation in ocean activities. 



As an island nation, protected from adversaries and linked 

 to partners by the world's great oceans, it is fundamental that 

 the United States understand the surrounding marine environment. 

 Similarly, the United States Navy, a global navy, must understand 

 the global environment in which it trains and operates. The need 

 to deal with the maritime environment is one of the fundamental 

 factors that separates navies from armies and air forces. To be 

 successful a modern navy requires the very best knowledge of 

 oceanography and its related sciences. 



Naval oceanography embraces research, technology and 

 operational programs not only in traditional oceanography, but 

 also in meteorology, mapping, charting and geodesy, astrometry 

 (the positions of celestial bodies), and precise time. Navy's 

 oceanography program is led by three flag officers. The Chief of 

 Naval Research, RADM Marc Pelaez, oversees the long term direction 

 for ocean science and technology development . The Oceanographer 

 of the Navy, RADM George Davis, directs resources and policies for 

 the operational oceanography program. Commander, Naval 

 Meteorology and Oceanography Command, RADM Paul Gaffney, runs the 

 operational program and provides all day-to-day operational 

 support to the fleet. 



The ocean and atmosphere affect all aspects of Naval 

 warfare. The ocean's density structure affects the use of sonars 

 just as the structure of the atmosphere affects radar 

 performance. Amphibious, mine, and special warfare all require 

 rapid, accurate environmental information to support modern 

 contingency operations. Modern military operations require 

 accurate positioning, navigation, and time information. Today's 

 high-tech weaponry increasingly requires sophisticated 

 environmental inputs for "GO/NO-GO" decisions and optimal 



