Third Fleet Hosts Defense Science Studies Group

By Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Torrey W. Lee, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet hosted members from the Defense Science Studies Group (DSSG) Aug. 9 at 3rd Fleet headquarters in San Diego.

One of the main goals of the visit hosted by Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt was to inspire members of the scientific community with naval operations, facts and programs.

The DSSG's main focus is to promote technological advantages and defense development in the United States. DSSG is a group of select professors from many of the nation's top universities.

U.S. 3rd Fleet's liaison for the group, Lt. Stephen Stefaniak, explained the importance of fostering a strong relationship between the scientific community and the Navy.

"We brought these scientists here so they can get a real-world look at the Navy. They can go and influence their peers back in the academic world and basically spread what we do, what we need," said Stefaniak.

Officials at 3rd Fleet hope to utilize the resources available through DSSG by connecting with new generations of scientists. DSSG's direct contact with students and aspiring scientists could give positive direction to their peers in the field of defense development.

"You're getting people across the board involved and thinking about the nation's security and that's important," said Robert E. Roberts, a founding director of DSSG. "These professors go back to their campuses and talk to their students, as well as their other faculty members about what they've seen. They generally come back with a positive and good understanding of not only the Navy's needs but the other military organizations as well."

The group was invited to view ships in 3rd Fleet's area of responsibility and receive a better understanding of the technology and equipment that naval forces work with day to day. The visits included aircraft carriers, submarines and destroyers. Each ship's crew explained in detail their particular unit's contributions to U.S. maritime operations.

"The Navy's goals don't stand alone from our national goals - they are intertwined," said Cmdr. Brian Quin, commanding officer, USS Gridley (DDG 101).

Quin said he was impressed by the group's ability to take some of the best minds of science and technology and to use their resources to inspire future generations of scientists.

"As an American I am proud," said Quin. "These scientists and academics took time out of their day and schedule to advance America's goals. Any time the Navy is able to take the best minds in science and technology it will result in an improved flow of information and innovative solutions that can then be applied."

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet hosts groups like DSSG to showcase their contributions to maritime security and operations.