Last week, we had the privilege of listening to CAPT Nicole Nigro and Deputy Executive Director Mr. Kevin Charlow of NIWC Atlantic share about the work their Warfare Center has been doing during our State of the Military event.

From a 30,000-foot view, NIWC Atlantic’s vision is to “win the information war.” During the update, we learned about how this vision manifests itself in the day to day. Like other Warfare Centers, NIWC ensures the success of naval technical programs, creates a bridge between the technical community and the warfighter and regulates fleet capabilities and systems. Importantly, when urgent operational fleet needs arise, NIWC is also there to provide solutions.

With its Charleston location, NIWC has several key unique capabilities. These include the Electromagnetic Interference Testing Ground operating at Poseidon Park and the Expeditionary Systems Integration and Innovation Center (ESIIC) Bay, a lab facility which allows for faster Navy and Marine Corps technology transition to the warfighter.

A major driver of the local economy, NIWC employs thousands and has created a $3.2 billion impact on the state of South Carolina alone. Their economic footprint rises to $9.3 billion when you include their locations in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Louisiana and Florida.

Not only has NIWC made a large economic impact here, they have also created a meaningful impact on the relational level via community engagement and cultivation of local talent. They are involved with the Palmetto Cybersecurity Camp, Joint Base Charleston Air Show, Nascar 600 STEM event, Hampton Roads Summer STEM Academy and educational partnerships with local school districts and colleges—just to name a few.

To illustrate a small facet of their work, NIWC brought a demo table from the On Demand Manufacturing team to the Chamber, which included a 3D printing machine and a display of products they’ve made in their lab.

The work of NIWC Atlantic extends far beyond what is captured here, so make sure to check out these slides for in-depth look at NIWC Atlantic’s operations or visit https://www.niwcatlantic.navy.mil/ to learn more.