FOREWORD AND FAREWELL
Authors: Erden Fatih 
Published: November 2024

As I write my final foreword as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Naval Sciences and Engineering (JNSE), it is with deep gratitude and pride that I look back on the transformative progress we have achieved together. I first took on this role with the responsibility of publishing the second issue of 2022, just as the journal transitioned from the Naval Sciences and Engineering Institute to the Turkish Naval Academy (TNA). Now, following my promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and my appointment as the Deputy General Manager of Naval Shipyards, I prepare to step down, filled with confidence in the journal's future impact.

During my tenure, JNSE has not only expanded its reach but also evolved in structure. As the first Editor-in-Chief after this significant transition, I established a structured workflow to ensure the smooth handling of the journal’s workload. This progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our esteemed contributors, editors, reviewers, and readers, who have collectively strengthened the journal’s place as a respected publication in naval sciences and engineering.

Naval sciences and engineering have always been at the forefront of the Turkish Navy’s priorities, with an increasing emphasis on innovation and self-reliance in defense capabilities. As researchers and engineers, our collective work—through publications like this journal—contributes, even if indirectly, to these larger goals. It is essential to recognize that advancements in naval platforms, weaponry, and defense systems depend heavily on foundational research in science and technology. Every study, every paper, and every breakthrough—however modest it may seem—plays a role in building the knowledge base that supports these ambitious naval goals.

In this foreword, I highlight recent and ongoing projects of the Turkish Navy, from initial concepts to construction, to offer future contributors an idea of impactful areas of study. Research in fields like autonomous systems, AI-driven operations, and advanced propulsion technologies can shape the Navy’s future capabilities. As the quote often attributed to Faraday or Franklin reminds us, "What is the use of a newborn baby?" Theoretical research, like this newborn, may not reveal its full utility immediately, yet it holds the potential to make profound impacts over time.

(Full foreword available in the PDF version.)

As I transition from this role, I am proud of the journal’s achievements. One of the most notable milestones has been the introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for all published papers since the second issue of 2022. This change has allowed for greater visibility, wider dissemination, and immediate online publication, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of research. Additionally, reorganizing the editorial team, including the appointment of key roles such as the Technical Editor, Layout Editor, and Secretariat from the capable staff of the TNA has ensured a streamlined workflow and elevated the journal's standards.

The December 2024 issue is a testament to the journal’s interdisciplinary reach. This issue includes four valuable studies: one presenting a robust planning model for irrigation, a topic of relevance as climate change increasingly impacts maritime and agricultural resources; a second, developing a cybersecurity perception scale for maritime industry employees, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in naval operations; a third, a performance analysis of adaptive MIMO techniques for visible light communication, which holds promise for improving naval communication systems; and finally, a paper on thyroid nodule segmentation using ultrasound, which highlights how advances in medical imaging can also improve healthcare aboard naval vessels. These papers, though diverse, reflect the journal's goal of fostering interdisciplinary innovation.

As I conclude my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I want to express my gratitude one last time to the readers, the dedicated editors who served alongside me, and the referees who ensured the quality of the research we published. It has been a privilege to oversee the journal through significant milestones, and I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment of everyone involved. Reflecting on my tenure, I am particularly proud of the journal's growth, both in scope and influence. Over these years, we have not only expanded our reach but have also contributed to shaping the dialogue around the future of naval technology. Though this marks the end of my tenure, I depart with the satisfaction of knowing that we have upheld the highest standards in naval science and engineering research.

As I bid farewell, I leave with the hope that the journal continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of naval sciences. May your journey be swift and your destination secure.

Fatih ERDEN, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief