Security Levels
Research and Development Center
The Research and Development Center (RDC), located in New London, Conn. is the Coast Guard's sole facility performing research, development, and test and evaluation in support of the Coast Guard's major missions.
The RDC also operates a Fire and Safety Test Detachment in Mobile, Ala., that conducts full-scale ship fire testing.
The Center is responsible for evaluating the feasibility and affordability of mission execution solutions and providing operational and risk-management analysis at all stages of the acquisition process. Learn more about projects the RDC is currently working on>>
When appropriate, the RDC collaborates with relevant professionals in the public and private sectors in order to leverage others’ expertise. Learn more about partnering with the RDC Program>>
Planning a Visit
The Coast Guard RDC is located in the historic Fort Trumball area of New London, Conn. Convenient to the Coast Guard Academy, Naval Submarine-Base, and Old Mystic Village, the RDC sits along the shore of the Thames River, adjacent to Coast Guard Station New London and Barque Eagle at:
1 Chelsea Street
New London, CT 06320
The RDC is not located within walking distance of the New London Train Station, however it is a short taxi ride from the station to the RDC. Taxis are allowed to enter the parking lot for drop-off and pick-up of visitors
The RDC is a controlled-access facility. Prior arrangements must be made with an RDC point of contact before conducting a visit.
- Visitors will be required to check in at the front desk, located on the fourth floor of the building.
- Visitors will not be admitted without proper photo identification.
- Visits by foreign nationals require special processing. For more information, you may contact the RDC Administrator’s Office at 860-271-2600.
- Visitors are required to complete a visit request using OPNAV form 5521/27 (Rev. 1-75) S/N 0107-LF-055-2235. For a copy of this form or more information, contact the RDC Security Office at 860-271-2755.
- To carry or receive classified information during a visit to the RDC contact the RDC Security Office at 860-271-2755.
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