On behalf of the more than 4,300 people who work at the Applied Physics Laboratory we invite you to explore our web site and learn about an institution that has served the nation for more than 65 years, providing innovative technology and technical guidance to better protect our country and its allies.

Our World War II heritage as a dedicated group with exceptional talents that was quickly assembled to perfect a technology that would end the war, still influences us today. We are proud to take on the complex obstacles that few can or want to address, and find solutions that transform defense capabilities.

The breadth of programs within APL's mission is impressive. Right now, we're monitoring an APL-built spacecraft on its way to study Pluto for the first time, creating nano-systems a billionth of a meter wide that regulate heat, perfecting a surveillance network to enhance homeland security, playing a decisive role in building a global information grid for defense communications, and leading development of a revolutionary prosthetic arm, to name just a few of more than 400 projects.

While APL's overlying focus is on national security in the oceans, land and air, our mission of public service is much broader and includes fostering educational growth, supporting economic development and being an active leader in the local community.

The Applied Physics Laboratory has addressed significant global challenges using innovative solutions for more than six decades, and we are poised to continue our service to the nation for decades to come.

APL Director R.T. Roca, flanked by Asst. Director for Operations R.E. Nimmo and Asst. Director for Programs J.A. Krill