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developing new survey and charting technologies. NOAA surveys 

 U.S. waters and territories out to 200 miles, but overseas 

 hydrographic surveying is Navy's responsibility. Navy's multi- 

 mission survey fleet of eight ships also collects oceanographic 

 and acoustic data to support antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, 

 amphibious and special operations. Unified and fleet commander 

 requirements for these types of data far exceed the resources 

 available to meet them, so survey vessels must be scheduled based 

 on the highest priorities. With the end of the Cold War, Navy's 

 survey ships are gaining unprecedented access to previously denied 

 coastal regions. Navy data collection is augmented through 

 international agreements with foreign navies whereby the U.S. Navy 

 provides selected expertise and equipment, while much of the data 

 is collected by foreign ships and personnel. In this area too. 

 Navy's oceanographers are negotiating with m.any nations with which 

 formal cooperation would not have been possible just a few years 

 ago. 



Navy's operational oceanography program also includes 

 astrometry -- the positions of celestial bodies -- and precise 

 time. These disciplines are crucial to support precise 

 navigation, satellite operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, 

 missile targeting, and secure global communications. Increased 

 reliance on advanced technology has created a defense requirement 

 for precise time measured to one-billionth of a second! Since 

 military requirements for time accuracy are the most demanding, 

 the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington DC maintains the nation's 

 Master Clock and disseminates its time signal to all users. 



The operational Naval oceanography program includes a total 

 military, civilian, and reserve force of about 3000 people and 

 costs less than one-half of one percent of the Navy's total 

 budget. This investment yields major payoffs by minimizing risk 

 to Navy personnel in ships and aircraft, reducing platform and 

 equipment damage, and delivering weapons accurately on target. It 

 provides a high-tech edge to U.S. forces to help them operate 

 faster, more safely, and more effectively. 



Clearly, Navy's operational program requires the strong 

 support of basic and applied research. With the operational shift 

 in focus to the complex littoral zones, the research and 

 operational components of Navy's oceanography effort are working 

 even more closely together to foster development of new and 



