Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen Chief of Naval Research and Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements, U.S. Navy Deputy Commandant (Science and Technology), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps

Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen became the 20th Chief of Naval Research on June 7, 2000. As such, RADM Cohen manages the science and technology programs of the Navy and Marine Corps, from basic research through manufacturing technologies. In addition to his position as Chief of Naval Research, RADM Cohen also assumed the duties of Director of Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations, as well as those of Deputy Commandant (Science and Technology), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

RADM Cohen received his commission as an Ensign upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, where he was a Trident Scholar. After graduation, he qualified as a Navy diver with the SEALAB Group in San Diego. He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution under the Navy’s Burke Scholarship Program, receiving a joint Ocean Engineering and Master of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT.

From 1985 to 1988, RADM Cohen commanded USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709). Following command, RADM Cohen served on the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as senior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, and on the staff of the Director of Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon as Director of Operational Support.

From 1991 to 1993, RADM Cohen commanded the USS L.Y. Spear (AS 36) and her crew of 800 men and 400 women. During his tour, Spear was awarded the Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency “E” Award and conducted an unscheduled five-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Between 1993 and 2000, RADM Cohen held such key positions as Deputy Chief of Navy Legislative Affairs, Deputy Director for Operations of the Joint Staff, and Director of the Navy Y2K Project Office. He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1997.

RADM Cohen is authorized to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal and multiple awards of the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal, as well as being submarine and surface warfare qualified.