Misplaced Pages

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Naval Support Facility Dahlgren
Part of Naval Support Activity South Potomac
Dahlgren, Virginia in the United States
An electromagnetic railgun at terminal range located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren
DahlgrenLocation in VirginiaShow map of VirginiaDahlgrenLocation in the United StatesShow map of the United States
Coordinates	38°19′30″N 77°02′00″W / 38.32500°N 77.03333°W / 38.32500; -77.03333
Type	Naval Support Facility
Site information
Owner	Department of Defense
Operator	US Navy
Controlled by	Naval District Washington
Condition	Operational
Website	https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Dahlgren/ https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-South-Potomac/Installations/NSF-Dahlgren/
Site history
Built	1918 (1918) (as Lower Station of the Naval Powder Factory at Indian Head)
In use	1918 – present
Garrison information
Current commander	Captain Todd Copeland
Garrison	Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Airfield information
Identifiers	IATA: NPY, ICAO: KNDY, FAA LID: NPY
Elevation	18 metres (59 ft) AMSL
Runways Direction Length and surface 16/34 4,191 metres (13,750 ft) Asphalt
Source: Federal Aviation Administration

The United States Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, is located in King George County, Virginia, in close proximity to the largest fleet concentration area in the Navy. NSWCDD is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Centers under the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). NSWCDD was initially established 16 October 1918 as a remote extension of Maryland's Indian Head Proving Ground used for testing naval guns. The Dahlgren site was named the Lower Station, Dahlgren Naval Proving Ground when it first opened. The location on the Potomac River was specifically chosen for the development of a long ballistic test range on the Potomac River, required for the testing of modern, high-powered munitions.

The NSWCDD employs approximately 4,700 scientists, engineers and support personnel at the Dahlgren organization and more than 350 at NSWCDD DNA. Prior to 2007, Panama City Coastal Systems Station located at the Naval Support Activity Panama City was part of Dahlgren Division, but in 2008, it became its own division within the NAVSEA Naval Surface Warfare Center structure.

The physical base where NSWCDD is located became officially known as the Naval Support Activity Dahlgren (NSA Dahlgren) in 2003 when Naval Installations Command assumed all base operating functions, leaving NSWCDD as an installation tenant, however, the name NSWCDD or NSWC is still commonly used to refer to the base. There are a few other major tenant commands on the base such as the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and the Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) involved in the training and development for the Aegis Combat System, and training and development for other future shipboard combat systems. NSF Dahlgren was also previously home to Naval Space Surveillance System Command (NAVSPASUR) before that function was transferred to the Air Force in 2004. In 2006, the installation's name was changed to its current iteration of Naval Support Facility Dahlgren when Naval District Washington merged it and Naval Support Activity Indian Head under the combined command of Naval Support Activity South Potomac.

The base is recognized by the Census Bureau as a census designated place (CDP), Dahlgren Center. Its population as of the 2010 Census was 599. It is entirely distinct from Dahlgren CDP, to the west.

History

Dahlgren was established in the spring of 1918 as a Naval Proving Ground. Its recorded first work, the firing of a 7-inch (178-millimetre)/45 caliber tractor-mounted gun, occurred on 16 October 1918, which is recognized as the official founding date. The proving ground was named Dahlgren in honor of Rear Admiral John Adolphus Dahlgren, a Civil War Navy commander, who is the acknowledged "father of modern naval ordnance."

Prior to 1918, the Navy operated a proving ground at Indian Head, Maryland, but it became inadequate as advances in gun designs and ordnance made its range obsolete. During World War I, a range of 90,000 yards (82,000 m) was sought by the Navy to prove its new battleship guns. The range was required to be over water but inside the territorial waters of the United States. The area from Machodoc Creek to Point Lookout on the Potomac River was selected because of its relative straight lines and accessibility. The climate and relative calm of the river were also factors as the Navy sought an ice and rapids free testing area. At the time of Dahlgren's establishment, the area was extremely remote and relatively unpopulated. Thus, to recruit and retain the highly specialized work force required, the Navy promised to supply housing, food and medical services, schools, recreation, and other socially needed infrastructure.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Dahlgren was involved in testing bombsights, including the Norden bombsight, for the Navy's fledgling air forces. But, until World War II, much of the principal work at Dahlgren surrounded the proofing and testing of every major gun in the Navy's arsenal. Most of the work was done at the Main Range Gun Line, which faces down the Potomac River.

During the World War II years, Dahlgren became involved with new computational devices (computers) because of its ordnance requirements. Ground-breaking early computers were sent to Dahlgren to help with ballistic work and other directives, including the Aiken Relay Calculator and the Naval Ordnance Research Calculator (NORC). The computer and ordnance work going on attracted a number of brilliant young scientists and engineers to the area during the war, and some were tapped to help with the ongoing Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb. Two such people include Dr. Norris E. Bradbury, who later became the Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Deak Parsons, the weaponeer on the Enola Gay, the aircraft which dropped the Little Boy atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.

In the years immediately after the war, Dahlgren's work force was cut back. But the laboratory's strong computer and ordnance expertise kept the base open and Navy work flowing. Subsequently, the onset of the Cold War and Korea again placed demands for new offensive and defensive ship systems. In 1958, with the former Soviet Union's launching of Sputnik I, a space race began. Dahlgren opened its gates that year to its first tenant activity, the Naval Space Surveillance Center, which selected Dahlgren to be at the center of the laboratory's growing computer advances. It was around this time that Dahlgren became heavily involved with the development of Fleet Ballistic Missiles, later called Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Dahlgren was on the leading edge of naval surface weapons work with programs such as the Tomahawk missile, which improved the Navy's capacity to perform attacks on land targets from a distance that decreased the risk to ships. Dahlgren also was critical in work to protect Navy ships from enemy missile and air attacks with programs such as the Standard missile and the Aegis Combat System. That work continues in 2017, along with the electromagnetic railgun, DDG 1000, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), and Chemical Biological and Radiological Defense.

Because of the laboratory's broad-based growth in research and development and with its new missions, Dahlgren's name officially changed to the Naval Weapons Laboratory in 1959. It was later changed to the Naval Surface Weapons Center in 1974 with the merger of the former Naval Ordnance Laboratory at White Oak, Maryland. In 1987, the name was changed again to the Naval Surface Warfare Center as new and expanded missions were added. And, in 1992, with the consolidations of naval laboratories into one headquarters center, it became the Dahlgren Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Research and development

NSWCDD conducts basic research in all systems-related areas and pursues scientific disciplines including biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, laser and computer technology, chemical, mechanical, electrical and systems engineering, physics and computer science. Distinguished figures who have worked for the NSWCDD include physicists Albert Einstein, Edward Teller, Carl Norden, and computer pioneers Howard Aiken and Grace Hopper.

Engineering projects of historical or military significance developed at NSWCDD include the triggering device on the Hiroshima atomic bomb, the Norden Bombsight used on most American bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and B-29 Superfortress during World War II, the Standard missile used on modern United States Navy warships, and the warhead for the AIM-54 Phoenix. Current projects include the majority of US research into directed-energy weapons, railgun technology and weapons integration for the Littoral combat ship.

STEM outreach

NSWCDD scientists and engineers share their technological expertise by participating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities to inspire students to pursue technical careers. NSWCDD mentors support summer academies, such as the Virginia Demonstration Project, where they introduce robotics and basic engineering principles to area middle and high school students through hands-on activities. NSWCDD also has educational partnerships with several universities across the U.S.

Education

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which serves as the local school district for the base, has a K-8 school, Dahlgren Elementary Middle School. The school first opened in 1921. The school's principal facility was built during World War II. In 2011 a review of the building found that it was in "poor" shape.

King George County Public Schools operates non-DoDEA public schools in King George County. Most off-post persons associated with NSF Dahlgren send their children to King George County schools. The King George County school Potomac Elementary School is in proximity to the entrance to NSWC Dahlgren. King George High School is the local county high school.

See also

• NATACMS
• NSRDC BQM-108
• Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
• List of United States Navy airfields

References

1. FAA Airport Form 5010 for NDY PDF
2. ^ http://namdc.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/site%20pages/news/03-29-13_NSF_Dahlgren_profile_2013.pdf
3. Wagner, Gary R. "Navy Transfers Space Surveillance Mission to Air Force". U.S. Navy. Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
4. Virginia Trend Report 2: State and Complete Places (Sub-state 2010 Census Data). Archived 16 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed 8 June 2011.
5. ^ Carlisle, Rodney P. (2006). The Sound of FREEDOM: Naval Weapons Technology at Dahlgren, Virginia 1918–2006. ISBN 0-16-077712-7.
6. "About Dahlgren Division". Naval Sea Systems Command. Retrieved 9 November 2018. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
7. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: King George County, VA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 5 July 2022. - Text list - "Dahlgren Department of Defense School District" refers to DoDEA schools.
8. "Home Page". Dahlgren School. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
9. "Dahlgren Community". Department of Defense Education Activity. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
10. Hester, Wesley P. (2 October 2011). "Military schools 'make do'". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
11. "Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSF Dahlgren) Education". Military One Source. Retrieved 5 July 2022. - This is from a .mil site.
12. "Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) America's Mid-Atlantic District: Dahlgren School". US Navy Website Commander Dahlgren. Retrieved 5 July 2022.

Further reading

• James P. Rife and Rodney P. Carlisle (2007) The Sound of Freedom: Naval Weapons Technology at Dahlgren, VA 1918–2006

External links

• Dahlgren Heritage Museum

v t e  United States Navy
Category
Leadership	Secretary of the Navy Under Secretary of the Navy Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Naval Operations Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy 4-star admirals 3-star admirals 1864–1959 2000–2009 2010–2019 2020–present 2-star admirals House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces Senate Subcommittee on Seapower
Structure	Navy Navy Reserve Fleet Marine Force Expeditionary Combat Command Merchant Marine Units Active ships Future ships Aircraft wings Aircraft squadrons Carrier strike group Installations Naval Observatory Master jet base Operating forces Fleet Forces Command Commander Pacific Fleet Commander Naval Forces Europe – Naval Forces Africa Naval Forces Central Command Naval Forces Southern Command Naval Special Warfare Command Naval Reserve Forces Operational Test and Evaluation Force Naval Network Warfare Command Military Sealift Command Shore Naval Sea Systems Command Naval Air Systems Command Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Naval Supply Systems Command Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Fleet Cyber Command Naval Academy Naval Education and Training Command Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Office of Naval Intelligence Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center Naval Legal Service Command Naval Observatory Naval Safety Center Bureau of Naval Personnel Chief of Naval Personnel Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Installations Command Navy Working Capital Fund Fleets Second Fleet Third Fleet Fourth Fleet Fifth Fleet Sixth Fleet Seventh Fleet Tenth Fleet Ships A–B C D–F G–H I–K L M N–O P Q–R S T–V W–Z Aircraft carriers Airships Amphibious warfare ships Auxiliaries Battleships Cruisers Destroyers Destroyer escorts Escort carriers Frigates Mine warfare vessels Monitors Patrol vessels Registered civilian vessels Sailing frigates Steam frigates Steam gunboats Ships of the line Sloops of war Submarines Torpedo boats Torpedo retrievers Unclassified miscellaneous vessels Yard and district craft
Personnel and training	People Officers Insignia Designators Enlisted Rates Ratings Classification Personnel Chaplain Corps Chief Deputy Chief Explosive ordnance disposal Medical Corps Dental Corps Nurse Corps Medical Service Corps Supply Corps Civil Engineer Corps JAG Corps JAG DJAG NCIS Boatswain's mates Hospital corpsman Naval Aviator SEALs Seabees Master-at-arms Operations specialist SWCCs Hispanic sailors Training Recruit Officer Candidate School STA-21 NROTC Naval University System (Naval War College, Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Academy, Naval Community College, Marine Corps University) BESS BFTT CNATT COMPTUEX NAWCTSD AIM Naval Chaplaincy School Naval Hospital Corps School Naval Justice School United States Armed Forces School of Music Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Navy Supply Corps School Nuclear Power School JMTC TOPGUN USNTPS Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Equipment	Uniforms Awards and decorations Badges Current fleet Future fleet Reserve fleet Current aircraft Weapons Naval reactors
History and traditions	History "Anchors Aweigh" Blue Angels Continental Navy Ensign Fleet bands Fleet Week Jack Line-crossing ceremony National Museum Navy Band Ceremonial Guard Navy Flag Navy Hymn Navy Memorial Navy service numbers Navy Weeks Revolt of the Admirals Sailor's Creed Ship commissioning Ship decommissioning Ship naming conventions Tingey House USS Constitution WAVES Wetting-down United States battleship retirement debate

v t e Regions and Shore Installations of the  United States Navy
Enterprise Commander: Commander, Navy Installations Command
Naval District Washington	Naval Support Activity Washington Naval Research Laboratory NSF Suitland NSF Naval Observatory NSF Carderock Naval Support Facility Arlington Naval Support Facility South Potomac NSF Indian Head NSF Dahlgren Naval Air Station Patuxent River Naval Support Activity Annapolis Naval Support Facility Thurmont Naval Support Activity Bethesda
Navy Region Northwest	NAS Whidbey Island NAVBASE Kitsap NAVMAG Indian Island NAVSTA Everett
Navy Region Southwest	NAVBASE San Diego NAVBASE Point Loma NAVBASE Coronado Camp Morena NAVPHIBASE Coronado NAS North Island NALF San Clemente NOLF Imperial Bach Silver Strand Training Complex La Posta Mountain Warfare Training Facility, Warner Springs Remote Training Area NAF El Centro NAS Lemoore NAVBASE Ventura County Port Hueneme NAS Point Mugu NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach, CA NAS Fallon, NV. Naval Support Activity Monterey NAWS China Lake
Navy Region Southeast	Naval Air Station Jacksonville NS Mayport NAS Key West NSA Charleston NSA Beaufort NAS Pensacola NAS Whiting Field NAS Corpus Christi NAS Kingsville NAS JRB Fort Worth NAS JRB New Orleans NSA Orlando NCBC Gulfport, Mississippi NAVSTA GTMO SUBASE Kings Bay NAS Meridian NSA Mid-South
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic	NSA Saratoga Springs NAVSTA Newport, NSA Hampton Roads, NSA HR-Portsmouth at NMCP NSA Northwest Annex NAVWPNSTA Yorktown, NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex SUBASE New London NWS Earle NAVSTA Great Lakes NSA Lakehurst JEB Little Creek-Fort Story Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg Naval Support Activity Philadelphia Philadelphia Navy Yard Annex Norfolk Naval Shipyard Naval Station Norfolk Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Surface Combat Systems Command Wallops Island, Virginia NSA Crane
Navy Region Hawaii	Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam Pacific Missile Range Facility
Navy Region Japan	Naval Air Facility Atsugi Naval Air Facility Misawa onboard Misawa Air Base (support services to Naval personnel) Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka United States Fleet Activities Sasebo Naval Air Facility Kadena onboard Kadena Air Base (support services to Naval personnel)
Navy Region Korea	Fleet Activity Chinhae
Joint Region Marianas	Naval Base Guam Naval Support Activity Andersen Guam
Singapore Area Commander	Navy Region Center, Singapore
^ Support services only Commanded by Commander Naval Forces Japan Commanded by Commander Naval Forces Korea Commanded by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Dual hat command with Commander, Task Force 73

v t e Municipalities and communities of King George County, Virginia, United States
County seat: King George
CDPs	Dahlgren Dahlgren Center Fairview Beach King George Passapatanzy
Unincorporated communities	Alden Allnut Ambar Berthaville Chestnut Hill Comorn Dogue Edgehill Gayles Gera Goby Hampstead Hooes Hop Yard Landing Index Jersey Lambs Creek Milbank Mustoe Ninde Office Hall Osso Owens Port Conway Prim Rollins Fork Sealston Shiloh Somerset Beach Tetotum Weedonville Welcome Wilmot
Virginia portal United States portal

• Systems command installations of the United States Navy
• Military installations in Virginia
• King George County, Virginia
• Military installations in Maryland
• Military Superfund sites
• Superfund sites in Virginia
• 1918 establishments in Virginia