Frank Klemm, Tactical Electronic Warfare Division Superintendent at the Naval Research Laboratory

Dr. Frank Klemm is currently the superintendent for the tactical electronic warfare division at the Naval Research Laboratory in the U.S. Navy. He oversees the unit’s administrative and technical functions.

The division is the largest group at the NRL, consisting of at least 225 professionals, the Navy said.

In the said role, Klemm offers technical guidance and heads all the segments of electronic attack technologies and shipboard and airborne electronic support platforms, which span the electromagnetic spectrum including electro-optical, infrared, communications, microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. 

In his more than four decades of working at the organization, Klemm made major contributions to the Navy’s electronic warfare systems. His extensive technical experience enhances the naval agency’s electromagnetic capabilities, giving NRL worldwide recognition. He uses his broad knowledge and skills to solve complex issues and problems related to the technology as well as leads his team to execute the plans. 

Previously, he held the role of acting superintendent for nearly two years. Prior to the position, he served as the head of the Offboard Countermeasures Branch for 18 years until 2003. He was responsible for the team tasked with the design of the MJU-27B IR cartridge, the ALE-50/55 systems and MK-53 Nulka networks.

During his tenure as branch head, he was appointed to a significant position in NRL’s advanced research scientists and engineers group. The role is exclusive to a limited few in the Department of Defense.

Klemm is currently the Navy’s senior representative to The Technical Cooperation Program – Electronic Warfare Systems Group. 

He graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in space technology. He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in aeronautical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.