Carderock Engineer Honored with Prestigious Captain Harold E. Saunders Award for Exemplary Technical Management

Carderock Engineer Honored with Prestigious Captain Harold E. Saunders Award for Exemplary Technical Management

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs

WEST BETHESDA, Md. - Frederick Merkel, an electrical engineer with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, received the Captain Harold E. Saunders Award for Exemplary Technical Management. The award recognizes his leadership in establishing a critical new program for the Navy's submarine force.

Merkel, who joined Carderock as a contractor in 2012 and became a federal employee in 2015, led an effort to develop and implement a sustainable test and measurement program for underwater electromagnetic (UEM) signatures. These signatures, like acoustic signatures, play a key role in submarine stealth and survivability.

"Not everyone gets to go underway on a submarine in their lifetime," Merkel said. "Being part of that process and knowing the work we do helps the fleet maintain its edge has been one of the highlights of my career."

Merkel coordinated across program offices, with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), senior scientists, and fleet representatives to establish UEM measurement requirements. He also ensured the necessary infrastructure and expertise exists to sustain the program long-term. His persistence over several years culminated in program approval in fiscal year 2024 (FY24), with multiple programs established in FY25 to support ongoing fleet testing.

"Helping start this measurement program wasn't just me-it was the work of many engineers and scientists before me," Merkel said. "I was fortunate to help carry it forward, connect the right people, and keep advocating for why it mattered."

A University of Maryland graduate in electrical engineering, Merkel also holds a master's degree in engineering management from Johns Hopkins University. Over his 13 years with Carderock, he has supported surface ship and submarine trials, but he says working directly with the submarine force remains his favorite aspect of the job.

"Every submarine delivered to the Navy undergoes UEM testing and calibration, and that requires Carderock involvement," Merkel explained. "Ensuring the systems work as designed means the fleet can operate with confidence in its stealth posture."

Looking back on his career, Merkel encourages new engineers to remain curious and engaged beyond their immediate technical work.

"It's easy to focus only on your specialty but listening to others and seeing how your work fits into the bigger picture opens doors," Merkel said. "Some opportunities are luck, but you don't get those chances unless you're open to new things."

For Merkel, the award is not just personal recognition but a testament to the importance of Carderock's mission.

"At the end of the day, our work ensures the Navy maintains the most capable and silent platforms in the world," Merkel said. "That's something I'm proud to be part of."