The US Navy has inaugurated a new acoustic trial and instrumentation facility for research and development of underwater solutions in Panama City, Florida.
The 1,400-square-foot (130-square-meter) hub will offer integrations, data collection, and electronic staging areas for technologies being created to support works under the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD).
NSWC PCD is responsible for prototyping sensors, system payloads, and other components used for the force’s subsea, seabed, and mine warfare missions.
Additional work in the building will focus on defining and validating modern technologies “in a cost-effective and controlled underwater environment,” including potential devices for current and future robotic and autonomous systems.
“The acoustic test and calibration workforce will use this facility to support a broad range of programs, and it will also foster collaboration among professionals from various subject matter specialties, enabling us to achieve project and program technical objectives, milestones, and deliverables,” NSWC PCD Technical Director Dr. Peter Adair explained.
Conceptualization Since 2012
The new facility’s conceptualization began in 2012. Ten years later, an old building at the NSWC PCD was demolished to reserve space for the planned experiment center.
In 2023, the service conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the laboratory.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication,” NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Stence stated.
“This facility is a testament to our team’s commitment to excellence and our mission to support the warfighter.”
