Aberdeen AB uhr deen, Proving Ground, Maryland, is the United States Army's center for ordnance activities. The Army tests vehicles, bombs, guns, and other ordnance there. The post serves as the headquarters of the Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command. The post also houses the Army Ordnance Center and School and the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. The post covers about 73,000 acres (29,000 hectares) and extends about 18 miles (29 kilometers) along the upper part of Chesapeake Bay near Aberdeen. It was established in 1917. It is recognized as one of the leading military testing and research facilities in the world. In 2005, federal officials approved a plan that will reorganize Aberdeen Proving Ground. The plan includes moving the Army Ordnance Center and School from Aberdeen to Fort Lee, Virginia; moving the Army Test and Evaluation Command headquarters from Alexandria, Virginia, to Aberdeen; and moving many communications and electronics activities from Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, to Aberdeen.