NSWC Carderock Division to House $12.9M Maritime Tech Center

The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division (NSWCCD) will be the home for the new National Maritime Technology Information Center (NMTIC) here. The Military Construction Appropriations bill contains $12.9 million for the 50-thousand square foot facility that will serve as a collaborative environment for ship design and new concepts in naval engineering. The President has signed the legislation. Carderock Division commander Captain Steven Petri said: "This facility enables the Navy to reinforce strong collaborative ties with government, industry and academia, creating integrated engineering solutions for the fleet at sea, daily sailing in harm's way." This conference center will establish Carderock Division as a national and international "center of excellence" for maritime technology. By improving information exchange, this Navy site will become a nexus for communications and information sharing about the latest developments in ship systems and marine engineering. This new facility promises better linkage for universities, regional maritime centers, and businesses throughout the United States and between the U.S. and other nations. Modern "decision support tools" such as video teleconferencing (VTC) areas and spacious meeting rooms equipped with new audiovisual equipment, plus adequate services for conferences, such as on-board food service facilities, will replace aged, dispersed and limited-occupancy rooms. The NMTIC will accommodate data and information transfer demands of the 21st Century. The building will boast a 350-seat auditorium. The structure will host classified exchanges as well. This unique facility will match the growing needs not only of Carderock Division but also Naval Sea Systems Command (located at the Washington Navy Yard) and other government and military organizations. "This is a great opportunity to replace World War II temporary buildings, thereby reducing maintenance and utility costs, while making the Carderock Division even better prepared to shape the fleet of the future as the Navy transforms, through hosting design teams and other efforts that draw on industrial, academic and government talents" said division executive director James Fein.