Construction Starts on New Maritime Tech Center

The Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division will be the home of the Maritime Technology Information Center. Costing $11.9 million, the 50-thousand square foot facility will house a collaborative environment for ship design and new concepts in naval engineering. The U.S. Navy awarded the contract to Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland on September 25, 2003. (See coakleywilliams.com) Division commander Captain Charles Behrle, USN, stated that the new center would enable the Navy to reinforce strong collaborative ties with government, industry and academia, creating integrated engineering solutions for the fleet. The center will continue Carderock Division's prominence as a national and international "center of excellence" for maritime technology. By improving information exchange, this site will become a nexus for communications and information sharing about developments in ship systems and marine engineering. The new facility promises better linkage connecting universities, regional maritime centers and businesses worldwide. The latest decision support tools such as video teleconferencing areas and meeting rooms with "state-of-the-art" audiovisual equipment will replace aged, dispersed and limited-occupancy rooms. This asset will accommodate the latest data and information transfer demands. The planned building boasts a 400-seat auditorium. "This is a timely opportunity to replace 1940-era buildings that are a cost burden to the Navy. This new building will reduce maintenance and utility expense. It will support Carderock Division's role in helping shape the fleet of the future as the Navy changes and adapts to its 21st Century mission, through hosting design teams and other efforts that draw on industrial, academic and government talents" said Captain Behrle.