The U.S. Navy has officially opened a cutting-edge acoustic trial and instrumentation facility dedicated to advancing underwater technologies in Panama City, Florida. Spanning 1,400 square feet, this state-of-the-art hub is designed to facilitate integrations, data collection, and electronic staging for various innovations aimed at enhancing operations under the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD).
The NSWC PCD plays a crucial role in the development of prototypes for sensors, system payloads, and other critical components that support the Navy’s subsea, seabed, and mine warfare initiatives. The new facility will enable researchers and engineers to define and validate modern technologies within a controlled underwater environment, focusing on both current projects and preparations for future advancements in robotic and autonomous systems.
Dr. Peter Adair, Technical Director at NSWC PCD, emphasized the facility’s significance, stating that it will serve a wide array of programs while promoting collaboration among experts from diverse fields. This collaboration is expected to enhance the achievement of technical objectives, milestones, and deliverables in various projects.
The inception of the acoustic test facility dates back to 2012, culminating in significant progress over the past decade. An existing building at NSWC PCD was demolished to clear the site for the new experimental center, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2023, marking the beginning of construction.
Capt. Paul Stence, Commanding Officer of NSWC PCD, expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the project, highlighting the facility as a testament to the team’s dedication and commitment to their mission of supporting military operations. As the Navy moves forward with this new resource, it signifies a significant leap in the capabilities available for underwater mission development and execution.
