WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Scott Browning with U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Signature Technology Office earned the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DCSA) on July 23, 2025, for his service from 1991 through 2024.
The DCSA is the highest Department of the Navy award for a civilian employee. It is a highly selective award given only to employees who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary service or contributions of major significance that far exceeds typical job requirements.
“It was a surprise to me, and I am humbled and honored about receiving it,” Browning said. “But it’s a team award because nobody does this kind of work by themselves. You just can’t. NRL is a family. It’s a great place to work.”
During his 34 years of service, Browning has provided technical advisement and direction for low observable (LO) stealth technologies which repeatedly resulted in state-of-the-art signature control breakthroughs and concepts which transitioned into operational, warfighter capabilities that are in use today and scheduled in the future.
“Since 1999, he’s been the Navy’s lead scientist for Naval wideband advanced EW [electronic warfare] program which has resulted in several compelling demonstrations and innovations which have since transitioned to the operational Navy,” said NRL Associate Director of Research for Systems Dr. Gerald Borsuk. “Throughout his career, Mr. Browning has held many leadership positions including RF [radio frequency] thrust lead, deputy program manager, acting program manager, technical director. and, more recently, senior advisor and historian.”
His technical acumen and leadership are highly regarded across the Department of Defense (DOD) and other governmental agencies and are sought after to solve diverse classified technical challenges.
“There are not enough words – not enough awards – to thank you for what you are doing for this country, the Navy, the Marine Corps and our shipmates,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Cruz.
The award citation noted his devotion to the development and mentoring of our nation’s future LO workforce which will extend his legacy for decades.
“In what I would consider to be Scott’s greatest achievement and contribution to the Navy and the DOD’s science and technology enterprise is his investment in the scientists and engineers and leaders of tomorrow,” said Matt Bastow, a fellow NRL Signature Technology Office colleague. “He’s been such an outstanding mentor, very selfless to so many young people over the years including myself.”
Bastow asked the more than 50 members of the audience to stand if Browning has ever mentored them. Nearly everyone stood including members of Browning’s family.
“While you were off doing all these amazing technical feats, you were also building the workforce of the future,” Bastow added.
Browning has a proven track record of high-level performance, evidenced by many of his technology transitions to the Fleet, dozens of classified and unclassified publications, several patents, over a dozen invention and special act awards. In 2016, Browning was presented the
Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award as a leading LO systems subject matter expert.
Browning has authored more than 20 classified papers, has published 20 papers in refereed journals, authored 28 NRL formal reports, and has presented at dozens of professional society meetings. He is the recipient of five invention awards and five special act awards and was presented the NRL Alan Berman Research Publication Award twice.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or
nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil. Please reference package number at top of press release.
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