Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division has published the Potomac River Test Range schedule for August 16-22, 2025, indicating daily operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The key activity is set for Wednesday, August 20, with potential very loud noise on station in the eastern areas of Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and down range in surrounding communities. River restrictions that day will cover approximately 20,000 yards from the facility, below the yellow K buoy on the Maryland side to the yellow J buoy on the Virginia side. No noise or restrictions appear for the other days in the Potomac River Test Range schedule.
The schedule lists standard hours each day, but only August 20 involves munitions testing that could disrupt local areas. Noise may affect communities along the Potomac River, including those in Southern Maryland’s Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. Boaters must avoid the restricted zone during operations to ensure safety. The Explosive Experimental Area at Pumpkin Neck supports similar testing activities. For the remaining days—Saturday through Tuesday and Thursday through Friday—the Potomac River Test Range schedule shows no anticipated impacts.
Public updates are available through the range and weapons testing hotline at 877-845-5656, offering toll-free details on the Potomac River Test Range schedule. Noise inquiries go to Naval Support Facility Dahlgren at 540-653-8153. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Facebook page shares schedule information. Contact the Public Affairs Office at 540-653-8152 for further questions. Schedules can change, so officials recommend checking these sources regularly.
Established in 1918 as a naval proving ground, the Dahlgren site was selected for its extensive over-water range along the Potomac River, ideal for gun testing during World War I. It now serves as the nation’s largest fully instrumented over-water gun-firing range, focusing on research, development and evaluation of surface ship combat systems and ordnance. In 1992, it became part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. The facility conducts essential testing to advance naval technology, including conventional weapons and directed-energy systems.
Safety measures include buoy markers and range control boats with red flags during active periods, typically weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance notices help minimize risks on the Potomac River, a busy waterway for recreation and transport in the region. Sound waves from testing can travel, affecting nearby residents in Maryland and Virginia. Recent advisories, such as those in early August 2025, have noted similar loud noise potential.
For Southern Maryland, the Potomac River Test Range schedule often means occasional vibrations and sounds from across the river. A 2015 joint land use study addressed base compatibility with local growth, aiming to reduce encroachment while maintaining operations. Community outreach includes the hotline and social media for timely alerts.
The division bolsters the local economy, employing thousands and driving innovation in weapons technology. A 2018 study highlighted its impact on jobs in the area. Its proximity to Patuxent River Naval Air Station strengthens military ties in Southern Maryland, supporting workforce programs with regional colleges.
The Potomac River Test Range schedule promotes transparency for military needs and public safety. Boaters navigating near the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge should monitor updates to steer clear of zones. The site’s history includes the first gun test in 1918, a seven-inch tractor mount from World War I. Current efforts focus on integrated warfare systems for naval readiness.