26 January 2015 naval-technology.com

The US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has announced the creation of a new task force innovation (TFI), which will develop a comprehensive innovation agenda.

TFI will consist of subject matter experts from across the department, including special advisers and representatives from the offices of the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy (Policy), the General Counsel and the Office of Naval Research.

Mabus said: "From non-state actors to rising powers, today's threats to our national security and our interests are not just becoming more numerous, they are also accelerating.

"Establishing TFI will help us develop the best ways to improve our systems and ensure that we are also able to embrace our innovative ideas at a pace that keeps us ahead."

Specifically, TFI will be responsible for the creation of the US Department of the Navy's innovation vision and the development of short and long-term innovation goals and metrics, as well as oversight of coordination across the department.

It will use innovative methods to create and maintain an adaptive workforce and ensure the service is effectively viewing information as an asset.

TFI will also ensure emerging operational capabilities have a clear and useful path to the navy fleet.

A 60-day period will be used to submit a detailed innovation agenda about the actions required to prepare the navy for future operations.

Mabus added: "I am confident that by working together, we will develop creative solutions to the most demanding challenges that lie ahead of us."

7/10/2013 1:45:00 PM From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs Story Number: NNS130710-06

USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH, at sea (NNS) -- The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first-ever carrier-based arrested landing on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia July 10.

"By evolving and integrating new technology like the X-47B and the unmanned aircraft to follow, carriers will remain relevant throughout their 50-year lifespan," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

Today's demonstration was the first time a tailless, unmanned autonomous aircraft landed on a modern aircraft carrier.

This test marks an historic event for naval aviation that Navy leaders believe will impact the way the Navy integrates manned and unmanned aircraft on the carrier flight deck in the future.

In May 2013, the X-47B successfully completed underway carrier deck operations aboard USS George H. W. Bush to include a first-ever catapult launch and nine touch-and-gos.

"We have certainly come a long way in the 102 years since Eugene Ely made the first arrested landing aboard an aircraft carrier. Naval aviators have always been at the forefront of operational and tactical innovation, and today was no exception," said Mabus. "People make unmanned aviation possible and it is people who will provide the fresh thinking and new ideas so crucial to successes like the X-47B program and the unmanned aircraft of the future."

The Navy will continue to update this story as more information from today's demonstration is made available.