WEST BETHESDA, Md. –
While supporting the U.S. Navy's mission as an ocean engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division’s Hull Response and Protection Branch (Code 664), James Duval also volunteers beneath the surface to help inspire the next generation of engineers.
Since 2022, Duval has served as a volunteer support diver for the Tennessee Appalachian Highlands Regional underwater robotics competition, part of the international Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) competition program. The competition challenges students from elementary school through college to design, build and operate ROVs capable of completing simulated real-world underwater missions.
As a support diver, Duval enters the pool after each team's run to reset the underwater obstacle course so judges can prepare for the next competitors.
"From my perspective, it's honestly a bit of a vacation," Duval said. "I get to spend a couple of days diving while watching students use technology they designed and built from scratch. It's really rewarding to see."
The competition exposes students to careers in marine technology, ocean engineering and robotics through challenges modeled after real-world applications, including offshore energy operations, underwater salvage and marine biology research. Mission complexity varies by age group, allowing participants of all skill levels to develop technical and problem-solving skills.
Duval's involvement began while studying ocean engineering at Virginia Tech. He earned his scuba certification while working with the university's Human Powered Submarine Team, where he met scuba instructor Chuck Swecker. Schwecker, a longtime volunteer with the regional competition, invited Duval to assist as a support diver.
"I had a great time the first year," Duval said. "Since then, every year I've asked to come back."
Duval earned his bachelor's degree in ocean engineering in 2022 before completing his master's degree in the same field in 2024. He joined Carderock through the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program and has worked at the command for nearly two years.
His interest in ocean engineering traces back even further.
"I was fascinated by shipwrecks as a kid," Duval said. "As I got older, that turned into an interest in underwater exploration and learning how remotely operated vehicles are used to map, survey and document shipwrecks."
Although he never had access to robotics programs like the MATE competition while growing up, Duval said he enjoys seeing students gain hands-on experience much earlier than he did.
"The students think watching the divers is the exciting part," he said. "But from our perspective, what's impressive is seeing what they're accomplishing at such a young age."
Duval has also volunteered during the international MATE ROV World Championship in Kingsport, Tennessee, where student teams from around the globe compete. Watching participants from multiple countries tackle engineering challenges with different approaches gave him a broader appreciation for the worldwide interest in underwater robotics and STEM education.
For students interested in engineering or ocean science, Duval encourages them to pursue opportunities even if they are not readily available.
"If the opportunities aren't there, try to create them," he said. "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. If you're interested in something, find a way to get involved."
At Carderock, Duval supports underwater research and development efforts and values opportunities to observe and participate in testing events that connect engineering concepts with real-world applications.
Outside of work, he remains committed to serving others. In addition to volunteering with the underwater robotics competition, Duval is an active volunteer firefighter in his local community and enjoys scuba diving, reading and playing soccer.
By combining his passion for ocean engineering with community service, Duval is helping encourage future innovators while supporting the Navy's commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach.