The Ocean Sciences Division conducts basic and applied research in description and modeling of biological, physical, and dynamical processes in open ocean, regional, and littoral areas; in exploitation of satellite, airborne, and in situ sensors for environmental characterization; and in investigation and application of microbial processes to Navy problems. The oceanographic research is both theoretical and experimental in nature and is focused on understanding and modeling ocean, coastal, and littoral area hydro/thermodynamics, circulation, waves, ice dynamics, air–sea exchange, optics, and small and microscale processes. Analytical methods and algorithms are developed to provide quantitative retrieval of geophysical parameters of Navy interest from state-of-the-art sensor systems. The Division work includes analysis of biological processes that mediate and control optical properties of the oceans, coastal, and littoral regions, and microbially induced corrosion/metal–microbe interaction. The Division programs are designed to be responsive to and to anticipate Naval needs. Transition of Division products to the DoD, Navy systems developers, operational Navy, and civilian (dual use) programs is a primary goal. The Division’s programs are coordinated and interactive with other NRL programs and activities, ONR’s research programs, and other government agencies involved in oceanographic activities. The Division also collaborates and cooperates with scientists from the academic community and other U.S. and foreign laboratories.