U.S. Naval Research Labs

The United States Naval Research Laboratories (USNRL) are one of the U.S. government’s first scientific research labs, founded in 1923, in large part due to Thomas Edison’s persistence.

The U.S. Naval Research Labs, headquartered along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., conduct basic and applied scientific research, as well as develop technology with particular focuses on plasma physics, materials science, and electronic warfare.

Thomas Edison realized future wars would be won by technology, not manpower, and in May 1915 wrote an editorial piece for the New York Times outlining the need for government-supported research. In the article, Edison explained how the U.S. government’s participation in developing new technologies was necessary for national security, ensuring our military was the most modern, well-equipped, and invincible.

In response to his article, the Naval Consulting Board was founded and Edison was placed in charge. This group, consisting of leading U.S. civilian scientists, was tasked with providing expertise to the U.S. Navy in their scientific and technological endeavors. Congress allocated funds for the Naval Research Labs in 1916, but construction was delayed until 1920.

In The Hesperus Prophecy, Thomas Edison is angered by the U.S. government’s half-hearted commitment to technology, and instead focuses his efforts on updating the machines in the Analytical Engine Room. With the newly constructed Navy and Munitions Buildings hiding his new entrance to Clypeate Headquarters, he turns the burnt-out remains of Jacquard Looms from the Obturavi’s 1898 attack into the foundation for ALVA’s sleek, futuristic towers.

The USNRL plays another prominent part in The Hesperus Prophecy when Vice Admiral Harold Bowen becomes the director of the research labs. Director Bowen’s promotion is the culmination of a carefully orchestrated career path, placing him in a position to fulfill the last prophecy of Hesperus. Having found the Declan of prophecy, Director Bowen hands over the golden key and command of the Clypeate to Bruce. The director says “My role draws me elsewhere,” hinting that he and the USNRL have more cards to play.

The modern sprawling U.S. NRL campus

The U.S. NRL’s humble beginnings