Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Trident Scholar Program
Picture Name

Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen, USN (Ret.)

Chief of Naval Research

Then...

Academic proficiency was Jay’s claim to fame in that he ranked in the top twenty of the class. Rather than just be content with this accomplishment alone, he utilized it in many ways. Not only did Supt’s List weekends find him many hundreds of miles from Mother B, but when not on one of these memorable treks he could be found in the Hall willing to give extra instruction to anyone at any time. Since studies came easy, he devoted many hours to a number of extracurricular activities which ultimately led to the improvement of Brigade Spirit. An enthusiast for the word liberty, he virtually spearheaded a number of Company social get-togethers, most memorably, numerous Company hayrides, which proved to be great successes. Although he has acquired the title of Sport Nomad for having participation in 10 different intramural categories, he has contributed his best efforts in every one. He academic endeavors won him a Trident Scholarship in the field of Deep Submergence to which he plans to devote his career. His motto, having proved in many respects, is appropriately “ Think Deep.”

Jay’s Trident Scholar Research was titled, “Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study of Navy Deep Submergence Vehicles."

...& Now

In his final assignment, Rear Adm. (ret) Jay M. Cohen became the 20th Chief of Naval Research, commanding the Office of Naval Research (ONR), on June 7, 2000. As the Chief of Naval Research, Rear Adm. Cohen managed the science and technology programs of the Navy and Marine Corps from basic research through manufacturing technologies.

Rear Adm. Jay M. Cohen, a native New Yorker, received his commission as an Ensign upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, where he was a Trident Scholar. He reported to USS Diodon (SS 349) in San Diego where he qualified in submarines. Rear Adm. Cohen then studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution under the Navy's Burke Scholarship Program where he received a joint Ocean Engineering degree and Master of Science in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT. Following Nuclear Power Training, he was assigned to USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636) (Blue) and USS Nathan Hale (SSBN 623) (Blue). He then served on the staff of the Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from which he reported to USS George Washington Carver (SSBN 656) (Gold) as Executive Officer. Rear Adm. Cohen commanded USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) from January 1985 to January 1988. Under his command, Hyman G. Rickover was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the SIXTHFLT "Hook'em" Award for Anti Submarine Warfare excellence, CINCLANTFLT Golden Anchor Award for retention excellence, the COMSUBRON 8 Battle Efficiency "E" Award, and was designated the best Atlantic Fleet Attack Submarine for the Battenburg Cup.

Following command, Rear Adm. 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. Rear Adm. Cohen commanded USS L.Y. Spear (AS 36) from March 1991 to April 1993. During his tour, L.Y. Spear was awarded the Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency "E" Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and conducted a deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm. Additionally, L.Y. Spear was the CINCLANTFLT 1991 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award nominee and the only Atlantic Fleet tender recognized in two consecutive Golden Anchor competitions. In April 1993, Rear Adm. Cohen reported to SECNAV staff for duty as Deputy Chief of Navy Legislative Affairs. In October 1997 he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and reported to the Joint Staff for duty as Deputy Director for Operations. In June 1999 he assumed duties as Director Navy Y2K Project Office. In May 2000 he was ordered to duty as Chief of Naval Research.

Rear Adm. Cohen is authorized to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal and multiple awards of the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. He is submarine and surface warfare qualified.

go to Top