The Research & Development (R&D) Center is the Coast Guard's sole facility performing research, development, and test and evaluation (RDT&E) in support of the Coast Guard's major missions of Maritime Mobility, Maritime Safety, Maritime Security, National Defense and Protection of Natural Resources. These efforts are broad and varied, and manifest themselves by supporting the acquisition and regulatory processes, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Coast Guard operations and resources.

The R&D Center is located in Groton, Connecticut, on the grounds of the University of Connecticut, Avery Point campus. The R&D Center also operates a Fire and Safety Test Detachment (F&STD) in Mobile, Alabama. The F&STD is the only facility in the world using actual ships for full-scale fire testing.

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Founded in 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has strived since its inception to use the latest advances in maritime tools and technology to increase its productivity and effectiveness in carrying out their wide-ranging missions. In 1968, Coast Guard Headquarters recognized the value of emerging technologies and established the Office of Research and Development.

In order to increase performance and effectiveness, the Coast Guard combined the resources of the Field Testing and Development Center and some members of the Applied Sciences Division of the Office to establish the Research & Development Center. It was chartered in 1972 at it's present location on the grounds of the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut.

In 1989, as part of a major Coast Guard reorganization, the Office of Research & Development was merged with the Office of Engineering. Staff at Coast Guard Headquarters was charged with program management. The Center at Avery Point is responsible for program implementation and project execution.

The year 2002 marked the 30th Anniversary of the Center at Avery Point. For 30 years, the dedicated scientists, engineers, and support staff of the Center researched, developed, tested, and evaluated a continuous stream of valuable products to enhance the performance of the Coast Guard.

Just a few of the products that have had an impact on Coast Guard performance include:

• SPA - Port Security Countermeasure Effectiveness (2007)
• Submarine Escape Rafts and Submarine Emergency (2006)
• PEN - Portable Entanglement Net (2007)
• Laser Fluorosensor for Detecting Heavy Oil (2006)
• Gaseous Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (2007)
• SAR - Search and Rescue Program (2007)
• MALE - Implementation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned (2005)
• Port Security Underwater Imaging System (2005)
• USCG Crew Endurance Risk Factors (2005)
• Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel (2002)

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, military and civilian Center personnel immediately responded providing staffing, expertise, and a big-picture look at homeland defense. Since that time, the Center has been actively pursuing new products that will assist the Coast Guard in protecting our ports and enhancing homeland security.

The U.S. Coast Guard Research & Development Center is prepared to assist the Coast Guard in achieving their missions whatever changes the winds may bring.

 Awards and Recognitions

"The professionalism and devotion to duty exhibited by all personnel of the Research & Development Center are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard."