DAHLGREN, Va. — The Potomac River Test Range, operated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), has released its operational schedule for the week of April 7-11, 2025, detailing testing activities that may impact surrounding areas. The facility, along with the Explosive Experimental Area at Pumpkin Neck, supports military munitions testing, and officials advise the public to steer clear during active operations.
On Wednesday, April 9, testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. may generate “very loud” noise, both on-site in the southern portion of Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren and in communities down range. No river restrictions are planned for the week, and no significant noise is expected on the other days, according to the schedule posted on the NSWCDD’s official website. Operations will run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no additional noise or restrictions noted for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
The public can access real-time updates via the Range/Weapons Testing Hotline at 877-845-5656, a toll-free service offering daily details on range activities. For those experiencing noise or vibrations linked to Dahlgren operations, NSF Dahlgren provides a dedicated line at 540-653-8153 for comments or questions. The NSWCDD Public Affairs Office, reachable at 540-653-8152, also offers further information on the range schedule.
NSWCDD maintains an active presence on social media, posting updates on its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NSWCDahlgrenDivision/. The division’s website serves as the primary hub for schedule details and additional resources about the test range’s activities.
The Potomac River Test Range is a critical asset for the U.S. Navy, facilitating the development and evaluation of weapons systems. Located along the Potomac River in Virginia, the facility has a long history of supporting naval research and testing, according to the Navy’s official site. Its operations often involve controlled explosions and live-fire exercises, which can produce significant noise detectable miles away, depending on weather conditions and test specifics.
While this week’s schedule indicates minimal disruption outside of Wednesday, local residents and boaters are encouraged to stay informed. The absence of river restrictions suggests no immediate impact on waterway traffic, but officials emphasize the importance of avoiding the area during active testing periods for safety reasons. The Explosive Experimental Area at Pumpkin Neck, an adjacent site, is also used for similar purposes, though no specific activities there were detailed in this week’s update.
