Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, and the Foundation for Underwater Research and Education (FURE), host the 18th International Submarine Races from June 23-27, 2025, in West Bethesda, Md. ISR serves as a unique naval engineering competition that develops critical domestic scientific and engineering talent in an international forum for the Navy and America’s Maritime Industrial Base. The event serves as a rubber meets the road, real-world crucible for aspiring engineers, providing invaluable hands-on problem-solving experience in vital maritime technologies, directly supporting national security and shipbuilding priorities. Carderock, the Navy’s ship design and innovation powerhouse (“Where the Fleet begins”), is...
WEST BETHESDA, Md. — Frederick Merkel, an electrical engineer with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, received the Captain Harold E. Saunders Award for Exemplary Technical Management. The award recognizes his leadership in establishing a critical new program for the Navy’s submarine force.
Merkel, who joined Carderock as a contractor in 2012 and became a federal employee in 2015, led an effort to develop and implement a sustainable test and measurement program for underwater electromagnetic (UEM) signatures. These signatures, like acoustic signatures, play a key role in submarine stealth and survivability.
“Not everyone gets to go underway on a submarine in their lifetime,” Merkel said. “Being part of...
09.30.2025 | WEST BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US |
Story by Brittny Odoms
BETHESDA, Md. – Megan Ruggiero joined the Acoustic Systems Branch (Code 762) as branch head earlier this year, bringing nearly a decade of experience from the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and a collaborative, mission-focused leadership style.
