CDR Donald Peltier
Permanent Military Professor
Office: Hopper Hall 247
Email: peltier@usna.edu
Research Interests
Aerial Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Mobile Robotics, Multi-Agent Systems, Swarm Tactic Classification
Education & Training
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School, 2025
- M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2007
- B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2006
Professional Experience
- Permanent Military Professor, Department of Weapons, Robotics, and Control Engineering, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, 2025-Present
- Ph.D. Student, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, 2022-2025
- Associate Chair and Master Instructor, Department of Weapons, Robotics, and Control Engineering, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, 2020-2022
- Squadron Maintenance Officer and Combat Element OIC, HSM-74 Swamp Foxes, NAS Jacksonville, FL, 2017-2020
- Mini Boss and Flight Deck Handler, USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7), NS Mayport, FL, 2015-2017
- Flight Instructor, HT-8 Eightballers, NAS Whiting Field, FL, 2013-2015
- Division Officer and Aircraft Commander, HSL-48 Vipers, NS Mayport, FL, 2010-2013
Professional Qualifications
- Naval Aviator
- Functional Check Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Stan Instructor
- ATP Helicopter
- OOD U/W
- CDO
- Command Fitness Leader
- Aviation Maintenance Officer
- Flight Deck Handler
Honors & Awards
- Chief of Naval Research Award for Excellence in Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research, 2025
- Clyde Lassen Leadership Award / Instructor Pilot of the Year, 2015
Significant Publications
- D. W. Peltier, I. Kaminer, A. H. Clark, and M. Orescanin, “Swarm Characteristics Classification Using Neural Networks,” IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, vol. 61, pp. 389–400, Feb. 2025.
