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Introduction to Emily Medina and Mine Warfare Community

Background of the Presenter

• Emily Medina, a long-time contributor to mine warfare programs since 1992, is introduced as a key figure in the community.

• Currently works at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), focusing on science and technology low TRL (Technology Readiness Level) programs.

Importance of ONR's Role

• The ONR plays a crucial role in developing technologies that are now fielded, with many successes attributed to their efforts.

• Emily emphasizes the importance of engaging with attendees for discussions beyond formal presentations.

Changes in Science and Technology Community

Current Landscape

• The ONR consists of four departments focused on basic science and technology work, including mine warfare.

• A restructuring towards 11 focus areas aims to optimize S&T funding and accelerate technology maturation for warfighting communities.

Overview of Mine Warfare Team

Historical Context

• The mine warfare team was established under Dr. Tom Swean in the 1990s, focusing on diver acceleration technologies.

• Significant advancements include integrating unmanned systems into fleet operations through various programs like littoral battle space sensing gliders.

Focus Areas and Future Directions

Technological Advancements

• Recent shifts have pivoted focus towards autonomy and software behaviors for improved platform capabilities.

• Collaboration with joint service EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Marine Corps explosive hazard defeat program, and Naval Special Warfare is emphasized.

Congressional Language and Funding Priorities

Understanding R2 Language

• The congressional language outlines four sub-elements focused on mine technologies, detection, neutralization, and special warfare EOD needs.

• Ongoing discussions about potential changes in R2 language reflect dynamic environmental needs within the mine warfare community.

Future Naval Capabilities Programs

Industry Engagement Opportunities

• Future naval capabilities (FNC), which are competitive programs palmed for each cycle, will be solicited alongside base programs later this year.

• An industry day is planned to engage stakeholders across various focus areas related to undersea systems.

Innovative Technologies Under Development

Key Projects

• Coyote driver tech candidate represents ongoing efforts toward achieving single-sortie detect-to-engage objectives within MCM systems.

• Seabed heuristics project aims to enhance understanding of environmental factors affecting sensor performance through new algorithms.

Research Areas Supporting Mine Warfare

Collaborative Efforts

• New research areas align with emergent priorities across collaborative projects within ocean environments impacting multiple warfare domains.

Unique Aspects of ONR's Work

Commitment to Innovation

• Emphasis on platform interoperability among unmanned systems highlights challenges due to environmental dependencies but remains a priority area for development.

Conclusion: Path Forward for Mine Warfare

Strategic Vision

• ONR focuses on subcomponent development while ensuring prototypes meet operational requirements through rigorous testing methodologies.

Overview of the Messer Program and Challenges in MCM Technology

Introduction to the Messer Program

• The Messer program aims to transition from initial development phases to operational readiness, focusing on sharing insights about subcomponent advancements.

• Previous efforts, referred to as "Low Now," involved comprehensive characterization of potential outcomes for the Messer program.

Enhancements in ROV Capabilities

• Emphasis is placed on developing an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) capability that can sustain itself effectively in various environments.

• Key areas of focus include understanding communication environments and maturing energetic components essential for system functionality.

Current Challenges in MCM Technology

• Acknowledgment of significant challenges facing Mine Countermeasures (MCM), particularly financial constraints impacting operations.

• Ongoing discussions regarding requirement validation and prioritization are crucial due to fluctuating funding and operational needs.

Community Engagement and Prioritization

• Advocacy within the community is vital for identifying top priorities, ensuring that science and technology (S&T) contributions align with pressing needs.