NSWC Carderock

Testing at Carderock

A ship hull model attached to a high-speed sled moves through waves at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock's David Taylor Model Basin, in West Bethesda, Md., during Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored research. The purpose of the research is to study the fundamental physics of the water-impact of high-speed planing hulls and to measure the slamming loads and resulting motions of the craft upon re-entry into the water which can cause structural damage and injury to passengers.

Bird's Eye View of Carderock

Aerial image of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division and the David Taylor Model Basin in West Bethesda, Maryland.

Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin (MASK)

Birds eye view of the wave maker in action at the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the re-opening of Carderock's upgraded Maneuvering & Seakeeping (MASK) basin at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division.

The command provides cradle-to-grave support for its technical products over a variety of scientific areas related to surface and undersea platforms.

West Bethesda Headquarters

A wide shot of Bldg. 1 at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division in West Bethesda, Md., on Oct. 19, 2023.

International Human-Powered Submarine Race (ISR)

Navy divers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technical Division at Indian Head, Md., assist student teams with their human-powered submarines during the 13th International Human-Powered Submarine Race (ISR) being held in the David Taylor Model Basin at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division. ISR is a unique international engineering design competition that inspires high school and college-age students of the various engineering disciplines to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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NSWC Carderock Division News

From left: Elizabeth, Zane, and Quinn Barone return Javelin 2.0 to their pit area after a successful run during the 2025 International Submarine Races. The Annapolis-based family competed as the only independent team in this year’s race. Carderock, the Navy's ship design and innovation powerhouse, provides the technical foundation for the future fleet through world-class research, development, and testing. (U.S. Navy photo by Kristin Behrle)

Annapolis Family Team Returns and Makes Waves at International Submarine Races

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | July 1, 2025

BETHESDA, Md. – An Annapolis, Maryland-based family team, Impulse Submarines, made a splash at the 2025 International Submarine Races (ISR 18), held June 23-27 at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s historic...

Virginia Tech pilot and hydrodynamics lead Maggie Campbell waves to spectators at the David Taylor Model Basin during the 18th International Submarine Races (ISR18), hosted at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division from June 23-27. Campbell is a SMART scholar slated to join Carderock’s Combatant Craft Division after graduation. Carderock, the Navy's ship design and innovation powerhouse, provides the technical foundation for the future fleet through world-class research, development, and testing. (U.S. Navy photo by Alisha Tyer)

Racing with Purpose: From STEM to Service with Virginia Tech at ISR18

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | July 1, 2025

BETHESDA, Md. – Three Virginia Tech students are transforming hands-on experience into long-term opportunities through their participation in the 2025 International Submarine Races (ISR18). Hosted by Naval Surface Warfare...

Wyatt J. Nash, Underwater Electromagnetics Stealth Advisor at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, poses for a photo on top of Mauna Kea, Big Island, HI. Nash is one of 10 recipients of the 2025 Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award. Carderock, the Navy's ship design and innovation powerhouse, provides the technical foundation for the future fleet through world-class research, development, and testing. (Photo courtesy of Wyatt J. Nash)

Dr. Delores M. Etter Award Honors Nash’s Impact on UEM Stealth and Readiness

By Alisha Tyer, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division | July 1, 2025

Wyatt J. Nash, Underwater Electromagnetics Stealth Advisor at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, is one of 10 recipients of the 2025 Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Dr...

Oregon State University's tent outside of the David Taylor Model Basin at NSWC Carderock Division in preparation for their submarine, Castorea, to race.

From Whiteboard to Water: Oregon State Team Castorea Makes a Splash at ISR18

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Public Affairs | June 27, 2025

What began as a submarine sketch on a whiteboard in 2022 became a reality for Oregon State University’s human-powered submarine team, Team Castorea, in their inaugural run at the 18th International Submarine Races (ISR 18) in...

Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport Division’s Dive team poses for a photo with Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s (NSWCCD)Commanding Officer at the David Taylor Model Basin at West Bethesda, Md. From May 27 to May 31, 2025, the six divers hand-removed 10-tons of corroded steel from the test basin floor in preparation for the 18th International Submarine Races, hosted by Carderock.

Pictured: ND3 Kaiden Smith, ND1 Jason Marshall, ND2 Giovanni Alawdi, NDC Jacob Eastland, ND1 Benjamin Eisenbarth, ND3 Giovanni Castenada, and Capt. Christopher Matassa, Commanding Officer, Carderock. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of NUWC Keyport Dive Locker).

Navy Divers Clear the Way for International Submarine Races at Carderock

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | June 24, 2025

Before the 18th International Submarine Races (ISR18) can make waves at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, someone has to clear the way. That job fell to six military divers from the Naval Undersea Warfare...

NSWC Carderock Division
9500 MacArthur Blvd.
West Bethesda, MD 20817-5700