Nswc Dahlgren Division News

Leadership has added a new face in the contracting department at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). Michael Brian Donaldson assumed the role of deputy chief of the contracting office (DCCO) in December, with management responsibility for a team of more than 110 contracting specialists, contracting officers, cost analysts, policy analysts and other contracting professionals.The contracting department at NSWCDD executes several thousand contract actions in a typical year, with a collective value of approximately $950 million.

WR Systems, Ltd. of Norfolk, Va. has been awarded a delivery order on the SeaPort-e contract with NSWC, Dahlgren Division for support services to Combat Direction Systems Activity, Dam Neck (CDSADN) Rapid Response Engineering Capability in the areas of software, hardware, network engineering and technical services. WR will provide support services in the development and refinement of prototype and test articles and provide services required to document and support these products, related subsystems and components. This contract is the follow-on to WR’s Prime contract for Common Mobility Services (CMS) with CDSADN that was awarded in 2007.

The US Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Electromagnetic (EM) Railgun program is evaluating the second of two industry railgun prototype launchers. The EM Railgun launcher is a long-range naval weapon that fires projectiles using electricity instead of traditional gun propellants such as explosive chemicals. Magnetic fields created by high electrical currents accelerate a sliding metal conductor, or armature, between two rails to launch projectiles at 4,500-5,600 mph. The Navy…

The Navy took another step to increase ships' capabilities against asymmetric surface threats, as the Shipboard Protection System (SPS) completed its first pierside and underway test events aboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65) on Feb. 26. The SPS provides a ship’s commander with organic tools to rapidly assess emerging surface threats and defend against terrorist attacks like the one that severely damaged the USS Cole in 2000. Ultimately, most U.S. naval surface vessels will have an SPS to provide integrated anti-terrorism/force protection capabilities while operating in littoral waters including foreign or domestic ports, restricted waterways and coastal areas, where terrorists can pose a significant threat to naval vessels.

By John J. After a wide-ranging tour of Naval District Washington (NDW) West in Dahlgren, Va., Senator John W. Warner, R-Va., told reporters at a news conference last week that the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is transforming itself to face the present and future on many fronts by producing advanced technological products that have a crucial impact in the support and protection of deployed warfighters fighting the Global War on Terrorism. “I have seen some absolutely fascinating technology in the minds of the core of civilians and military that operate here…

The Navy will field the first Shipboard Protection System (SPS) aboard a naval surface combatant this month. The SPS equips the ship’s commander with organic tools to rapidly assess asymmetric threats and defend against terrorist attacks like the one that severely damaged the USS Cole in 2000. Ultimately, most U.S. naval surface vessels will have an SPS onboard to provide integrated anti-terrorism/force protection capabilities while operating in littoral waters, such as foreign or domestic ports, restricted waterways, and coastal areas, where naval ships might be attacked by terrorist. To transition the technology as rapidly as possible to the fleet…

Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division engineers, working with their counterparts from other Navy commands and industry, recently completed work to make aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) ready for the ship’s first deployment. Dahlgren engineers are also providing combat systems distance support while the carrier is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “This is far-reaching collaboration that makes a difference in our military’s ability to fight, win and come home safely,” said NSWC Dahlgren Commander Capt. Joseph McGettigan. The Reagan Combat Direction Center (CDC) team operates an Ships Self Defense System (SSDS) MK 2-based combat system designed to respond with a rapid reaction…

Freedom and the War on Terrorism. "I am keenly aware of your contributions," said Vice Adm. more than 1,000 Dahlgren Division employees. systems command commander. customer for 33 years. Much of his focus was on the recent success of Operation Iraqi Freedom. said. in total amazement about America's resolve. much of which will affect the workers of Dahlgren. major way that will be irrevocable," he said. He explained that the change is promulgated by current events. at all times. threats our nation faced from it. "But look at today," he said. enemy. meet him. about the changing face of warfare. the shape that war will take in the 21st Century. output to the men and women who go in harm's way to fight. adversary could bring to the table. "But look at this current enemy," Balisle continued.