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

This custom vessel, designed by U.S. Navy engineer and University of Michigan alum Anindita Mukherjee, was created to carry water from Carderock’s historic test facilities to the University of Michigan’s new hydrodynamics lab. The 3D-printed wrap features a skyline view of the David Taylor Model Basin and will be permanently displayed as part of the university’s Mixing of the Waters ceremony.

Carderock Blends Heritage and Innovation at University of Michigan Mixing of the Waters Ceremony

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

BETHESDA, Md. – Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division is contributing history and innovation to the University of Michigan’s upcoming Mixing of the Waters ceremony, an event marking the commissioning of the...

Grassman Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Legacy of Structural Innovation

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

BETHESDA, Md. – For nearly four decades, Jon “Matt” Grassman has contributed to the Navy’s structural engineering advancements efforts, supporting ship design, testing, and lifecycle analysis. In recognition of his technical...

Stiletto underway for an autonomous boat launch and recovery demonstration in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 2, 2025. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division’s Joint Prototyping and Experimentation Maritime (JPEM) Stiletto Program demonstrated a new system developed by SEALARTEC for autonomously launching and recovering small boats. The Stiletto program provides a unique, cost-effective, and efficient way to deliver combat systems to the warfighter at an accelerated rate, drastically improving delivery of critical needs for mission readiness. Carderock, the Navy's innovation and ship design powerhouse, is a world-class research and development facility specializing in critical ship design and components. (U.S. Navy Photo by Travis Troller)

Stiletto, A Platform for Maritime Innovation

By Travis Troller, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Sept. 16, 2025

On June 2, 2025, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division’s Joint Prototyping and Experimentation Maritime (JPEM) Stiletto Program demonstrated a new system for autonomously launching and recovering small boats in...

Headshots of Carderock Tailcone Project Team

Carderock Tailcone Project Team Receives Rear Adm. Benjamin F. Isherwood Award for Exceptional Fleet Support

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Public Affairs | Sept. 15, 2025

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division’s Tailcone Project Team was honored with the Rear Adm. Benjamin F. Isherwood Award for Exceptional Fleet Support. The team earned the award for developing an improved tailcone...

Portrait provided by Meredith Miller, a Human Resource Specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division.

Carderock HR Specialist Graduates from Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program Part 2: Meredith Miller

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | Sept. 11, 2025

Human Resource Specialist Meredith Miller recently graduated from the Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP), a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative designed to prepare entry-level and emerging civilian leaders...

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