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

Digital Twin: The Next Generation of Fleet Resilience

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Nov. 21, 2025

BETHESDA, Md. – As global conflict increases, the Navy needs its fleet available more often, with less downtime and lower service costs. Dr. Michael Robert, Technical Project Manager at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC),...

The Workforce Development Branch held their first Speed Mentoring Event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. The event consisted of mentees rotating through mentors to exchange information, advice and answer questions on specific topics while also speaking as a large group to talk about their previous experience in their respective fields. (U.S. Navy photo by Chalene Simmons.)

Carderock Holds Speed Mentoring Event

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Nov. 20, 2025

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division hosted a speed mentoring event Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, to connect employees with mentors and strengthen professional networks across the command.Speed mentoring is a...

Carderock Specialist Sean Burger Gets Master’s Thesis Published

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Nov. 20, 2025

Sean Burger, an administrative and technical specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, recently celebrated a key milestone in his academic career: the publishing of his thesis from Naval Postgraduate...

Carderock Modelmaker Technician Elbert Roberson displays a proud smile after receiving awards and recognition for all his service to the US Federal Government for 55 years. Before joining Carderock, Roberson studied fine arts and interior design at the University of Maryland. His training in sculpture and design shaped the way he approached model construction. Working from technical drawings, Roberson manually built model-scale test articles from fiberglass and resin, transforming raw materials into scaled models used to evaluate ship design and performance. He invested time in training, equipping, and mentoring the next generation of modelmakers. Thanks to him, Carderock has a complete staff of skilled modelmakers who are successfully carrying forward the work of the model shop, generating great value vital to the Navy's success and to strengthening the Navy team. On October 31, 2025 Roberson retired after more than 50 years of federal service, 41 of them spent at Carderock, including three decades in the model shop.

Elbert Roberson Reflects on 50 Years of Federal Service and Craftsmanship

By Alisha Tyer, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Nov. 18, 2025

BETHESDA, Md. – For more than 40 years, the hum of saws and smell of fresh cut wood have defined Elbert Roberson’s workdays at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. In October 2025, he will retire after more than...

A portrait of Jessica Klotz, the Technical Area Leader for the Hazardous Materials and Pollution Prevention Team within the Acquisition Safety and Environment Branch (Code 632).

Leading Change Below the Surface: Jessica Klotz Champions Safer Seas Through HazMat Reform

By Brittny Odoms, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Public Affairs | Nov. 17, 2025

For Jessica Klotz, a 25-year veteran of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, creating organizational change doesn’t happen in the limelight — it happens in the unseen safety of every Sailor who steps aboard a...

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