Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division is the Navy's world-class maritime technology and development center under command of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Previously known as the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center, it was modeled after the Experimental Model Basin (EMB) built at the Washington Naval Yard by David W. Taylor in 1896. The EMB was one of the largest and finest model basins for ship design development of its time, however later inadequacies prompted the creation of the Carderock Division in 1939.

With over 3,200 scientists, engineers, and support personnel, the division today specializes in over 40 disciplines focused on the technical aspects in the performance of ships, submarines, watercraft, unmanned vehicles, and military logistics systems research. It is chartered by Congress to provide maritime industry support and contains multiple test basins for any sort of research, design, and testing capabilities the US Navy requires.