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).

Virtual Tour

Recruiting at Carderock

For Job Opportunities, click here.

NSWC Carderock Social Media

Photo Gallery

NSWC Carderock Division News

James Calverley, a senior mechanical engineer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), demonstrates the auto-hydrolance condenser cleaning robot to Rear Adm. Jason Lloyd, then-chief engineer (CHENG) of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 05. The robot decreases condenser cleaning operations by weeks, removes human workers from exposure to dangerous high-pressure water jets, and improves the quality and consistency of condenser tube cleaning. Through the Discovery Team and the Engineering Intervention Board, this innovation from PSNS & IMF was successfully expanded to Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and is now being adapted for submarine maintenance. (U.S. Navy Photo by Scott Hansen)

NAVSEA Discovery Team Advances Shipyard Maintenance Innovation

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Public Affairs | May 28, 2026

The Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Discovery Team is helping drive innovation across the Navy’s public shipyards by identifying technologies and process improvements designed to increase the operational availability of ships and...

Capt. Chris Matassa, commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, discusses the implications of maritime warfare dominance with fellow Warfare Centers leaders during a panel session of the Department of the Navy Digital Warfighting Symposium East 2026 in Norfolk, Va., on May 12. Moderated by Dr. Julie Stark, director of the Navy’s Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge, the panel deep dived into driving the future of information warfare, how industry and academia can help, and the resources required to accomplish information dominance. From left: Stark; Matassa; Nigel Thijs, technical director of NSWC Philadelphia; Stephen O’Grady, deputy technical director from Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; and David Smoak, chief engineer from Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic.

Navy Leaders Emphasize Speed and a Unified Digital Ecosystem at the 2026 Digital Warfighting Symposium

By NSWC Carderock Public Affairs | May 27, 2026

Navy leaders joined academia and industry representatives at the Department of the Navy Digital Warfighting Symposium 2026 from May 11-14 in Norfolk. The Navy-focused event, held in conjunction with the Armed Forces...

Engineer Rotates Into STEM Outreach at Carderock

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | May 21, 2026

BETHESDA, Md. — Erin Ripley, a mechanical engineer with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, is trading coding for crayons as she rotates from structural reliability to STEM outreach, bringing a full-circle...

Winners of the “Countdown Round” pose with their trophies alongside Carderock leadership during the 15th annual Carderock Math Contest (CMC) at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, May 1, 2026. Pictured from left: Stephanie Feulner, Carderock chief of staff; Zichen Xu, third-place winner from Rachel Carson Middle School; Lucas He, second-place winner from Burleigh Manor Middle School; Steve Cui, first-place winner from H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program; and Capt. Chris Matassa, Carderock Commanding Officer. The CMC is an annual outreach event designed to engage local middle school students in STEM careers. (U.S. Navy photo by Kristin Behrle)

Young Minds at Work – Carderock Hosts 15th Annual Carderock Math Contest

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Public Affairs | May 8, 2026

From the Navy’s innovation and ship design powerhouse to home to middle school students ready to put their brilliant brains to work, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division was filled with future innovators during...

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, celebrates Earth Day on April 22, 2026, by planting Maryland native white fringe trees outside of the Raye Montague Center courtyard in West Bethesda.

Earth Day Spotlight: Carderock Engineer Advances Navy Environmental Efforts

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs | April 22, 2026

BETHESDA, Md. – Earth Day efforts at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division highlight both environmental stewardship and the people behind it, including Environmental Branch Head Kristin Jordan. Jordan joined...

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