Underwater Sound Reference Division

Welcome to The Underwater Sound Reference Division

The Underwater Sound Reference Division (USRD) serves as the U.S. standardizing activity in the area of underwater acoustic measurements, as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides in other areas. The USRD is the Navy's primary activity for underwater acoustic calibration, test, and evaluation measurements. In this role the USRD maintains specialized measurement facilities with the capacity to simulate real-world ocean environments. It also maintains transducer standards to help ensure the accuracy of measurements made both at USRD and elsewhere. The USRD supports its facilities and standards with a robust research and development program dedicated to expanding the state-of-the-art in underwater acoustic measurements. The USRD is part of the Sensors and Sonar Systems Department of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport located in Newport, Rhode Island. It is supported by the Navy's only dedicated research and development program in underwater acoustic measurements.