image: Award recipients, including the 2010 Capt. Robert Dexter Conrad Award for Scientific Achievement winner, Dr. Ted R. Clem, right, the 2010 Fred E. Saalfeld Award for Lifetime Achievement winner, Dr. Bernard E. Douda, the 2010 Vice Adm. Harold G. Bowen Award for Patented Inventions winner, Mr. William C. Coleman, and the 2011 James M. Greene Award for Outstanding Dedicated Service winner, Ms. Marguerite Bass, listen to Rear Adm. Nevin Carr's opening remarks during a ceremony held at the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Va. view more
Credit: US Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released
ARLINGTON, Va.—The Office of Naval Research (ONR) honored four employees who have helped shape the future of the Navy and Marine Corps' science and technology efforts with its highest awards during a ceremony at ONR headquarters July 19.
"These civilian Navy employees have invested a significant amount of personal and professional equity to ensure their work advances America's national security," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, who presented the awards to the recipients. "It is fitting that we take a moment to thank them for their achievements and years of service to our nation."
The highest scientific accolade conferred on a naval research scientist by ONR, the Dr. Fred E. Saalfeld Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in Science, was presented to veteran researcher Dr. Bernard Douda, senior scientist for pyrotechnics at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane, Ind.
Over the span of a nearly 60-year career, Douda has been a pioneer in the field of pyrotechnics. His contributions to the field of pyrotechnics and military flare countermeasures have helped protect warfighters for the past three decades. The Saalfeld Award consists of a plaque, a certificate and a financial gift.
William Coleman, a mechanical engineer at NSWC, Carderock, Md., was honored with the Vice Adm. Harold G. Bowen Award for Patented Inventions, which recognizes a patent that has had a significant impact on naval operations.
Coleman developed an insert for an antenna to prevent jamming during deployment. His invention, patented as the "Antenna Transfer Assembly With Jam Preventing Insert," will support 74 Navy submarines. Over the lifetime of the equipment, the device may save the Department of the Navy an estimated $16.7 million.
The Bowen Award commemorates the first chief of naval research, who was responsible not only for establishing a patent system within the Navy but also for creating the Office of Naval Research, which replaced the administratively established Office of Research and Inventions.
Lead scientist for magnetic sensing and buried mine identification at NSWC Panama City, Fla., Dr. Ted Clem was recognized with the 2010 Capt. Robert Dexter Conrad Award for Scientific Achievement. Clem is one of the Navy's premier experts in the field of magnetic sensing as it applies to the detection of underwater mines, unexploded ordnances and underground facilities.
Consisting of a medal and a citation signed by the secretary of the Navy, the award is named in honor of the primary architect of the Navy's basic research program and former head of ONR's Planning Division. It acknowledges outstanding contributions in the field of research and development for the Department of the Navy.
An ONR employee for 35 years, Marguerite Bass was also recognized during the ceremony, receiving the James M. Greene Award for Outstanding Dedicated Service. Bass, administrative officer for ONR's Comptroller Department, was cited for her exceptional customer service, positive outlook and being a valuable asset to her department. The award includes a plaque, certificate and financial prize.
Additionally, four ONR employees received the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Awards: Dr. Kam Ng, ONR's deputy director of the Directorate of Research; Quentin Saulter and Peter A. Morrison, both program managers within ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department; and Fred Esposito, former facilities manager for ONR.
About the Office of Naval Research
The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.