DAHLGREN, Va. – The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) has released the operational schedule for the Potomac River Test Range and Explosive Experimental Area (Pumpkin Neck) for May 5-9, 2025. These facilities, used for military munitions testing, may generate significant noise and impose river restrictions during testing periods. The public is advised to avoid the range areas when testing is active to ensure safety.
For daily updates, residents can call the Range/Weapons Testing Hotline at 877-845-5656 (toll-free). Questions or concerns about noise or vibrations from testing at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren can be directed to 540-653-8153. Additional schedule details are available on the NSWCDD’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NSWCDahlgrenDivision/. For further inquiries, contact the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office at 540-653-8152.
The schedule for May 5-9, 2025, is as follows:
Monday, May 5
- Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Noise on Station: N/A
- Noise Down Range: N/A
- River Restrictions: N/A
Tuesday, May 6
- Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Noise on Station: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise in the southern and eastern areas of NSF Dahlgren.
- Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise down range and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
- River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 30,000 yards down range from NSF Dahlgren below to the Potomac River Channel Marker Buoy 14.
Wednesday, May 7
- Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Noise on Station: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise in the southern and eastern areas of NSF Dahlgren.
- Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise down range and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
- River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 30,000 yards down range from NSF Dahlgren below to the Potomac River Channel Marker Buoy 14.
Thursday, May 8
- Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Noise on Station: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise in the southern and eastern areas of NSF Dahlgren.
- Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Very Loud” noise down range and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
- River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 30,000 yards down range from NSF Dahlgren below to the Potomac River Channel Marker Buoy 14.
Friday, May 9
- Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Noise on Station: N/A
- Noise Down Range: N/A
- River Restrictions: N/A
The Potomac River Test Range conducts critical testing to support military readiness, and the NSWCDD prioritizes public safety by providing transparent scheduling information. Residents in surrounding areas, particularly on Tuesday through Thursday, should prepare for potential loud noises and avoid the restricted river zones. The NSWCDD encourages the public to use the provided resources to stay informed about testing activities and report any concerns promptly.
