The workshop focused on tactical execution and organizational alignment options to take full advantage of NSWCDD corporate capabilities and resources in support of the standup of the NSWCDD Naval Directed Energy Center (NDEC).

Engineers, scientists, and managers from NSWCDD Engagement Systems Department, Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department, Warfare Systems Department and Asymmetric Defense Systems Department as well as NSWC Dam Neck participated in the event.

The center of activity for the NDEC team is directed energy systems and applications that use electromagnetic energy to project military force and augment conventional capabilities. Directed energy systems offer unique alternatives to traditional kinetic weapons (guns, bombs, and missiles) because a myriad of targets can be engaged with more precision and variable effects.

Potential advantages provided by directed energy weapons include less collateral damage, affordability, lower sustainment costs, temporary and reversible affects on targets, a nearly limitless magazine, and very low cost-per-engagement compared to kinetic projectiles.

As the global security environment becomes increasingly complex and challenging for U.S. defense, the advantages of directed energy solutions can provide alternative and wide ranging deterrent options for U.S. Naval Forces and Combatant Commanders.

“Our team of government employees, academia and contractors are harnessing various directed energy disciplines in order to develop systems that will enhance what's available to warfighters in order to achieve mission success in the changing operational environment,“ said Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department Head Susan Hudson at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the NDEC building on Sept. 10, 2009.

Military officials foresee the NDEC as the Navy's center of excellence for directed energy, providing unique facilities as well as world-class scientists and engineers helping to solve complex systems engineering and integration problems and making cutting edge solutions a reality for U.S. troops.

Directed energy technologies range from high energy lasers for ship self defense to high power microwaves for engaging electronic targets and countering improvised explosive devices. “These technologies have the capability to make a difference in the irregular or hybrid warfare mission areas and, of equal importance, to assist in shoring up our own systems against asymmetric threats being used against us,“ added Hudson.

The Office of Naval Research, Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, and Surface Navy Directed Energy and Electric Weapons Program Office (NAVSEA PMS 405) are major sponsors for a variety of directed energy work that is performed by the NDEC team.

The workshop laid the groundwork for near and long-term success to support these sponsors with solutions drawn from the breadth of the NSWCDD technical base. Follow-on workshops and activities are planned for the future to address larger strategic goals and objectives that will help define a framework to transition directed energy technologies and systems into the hands of Naval and Joint warfighters.