US Secretary of the Navy Visits Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) proudly hosted U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during his recent campus visit. Del Toro's visit underscored the critical role of innovation and technology in national security and highlighted Georgia Tech's significant contributions to this effort. 

 “Our Navy-Marine Corps Team remains at the center of global and national security — maintaining freedom of the seas, international security, and global stability,” he explained in his remarks at the John Lewis Student Center. “To win the fight of the future, we must embrace and implement emerging technologies.” 

The Secretary provided an update on science and technology research to the Atlanta Region Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, comprised of midshipmen from Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. Del Toro has worked to establish a new Naval Science and Technology Strategy to address current and future challenges faced by the Navy and Marine Corps. The strategy serves as a global call to service and innovation for stakeholders in academia, industry, and government.  

 “The Georgia Tech Research Institute has answered this call,” he said. 

A key pillar of the new strategy, says Del Toro, was the establishment of the Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board in 2023, “with the intent that the board provide independent advice and counsel to the department on matters and policies relating to scientific, technical, manufacturing, acquisition, logistics, medicine, and business management functions.” 

 The board, which includes Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI) Executive Director Thomas Kurfess, has conducted six studies in its inaugural year to identify new technologies for rapid adoption and provide near-term, practical recommendations for quick implementation by the Navy.  

 “I recently led the team for developing a strategy for integrating additive manufacturing into the Navy’s overall shipbuilding and repair strategy,” says Kurfess. “We just had final approval of our recommendations — we are making a significant impact on the Navy with respect to additive manufacturing.” 

 Del Toro's visit to Georgia Tech reaffirms the Institute's role as a leader in research and innovation, particularly in areas critical to national security. The collaboration between Georgia Tech and the Department of the Navy continues to drive advancements that ensure the safety and effectiveness of the nation's naval forces. 

“Innovation is at the heart of our efforts at Georgia Tech and GTMI,” says Kurfess. “It is an honor to put that effort toward ensuring our country’s safety and national security in partnership with the U.S. Navy.” 

 “As our department continues to reimagine and refocus our innovation efforts,” said Del Toro, “I encourage all of you — our nation’s scientists, engineers, researchers, and inventors — to join us.”