To increase levels of sound attenuation, it is often necessary to utilize active acoustic control methods. A complete active acoustic control system typically consists of sensing devices, an electronic control circuit, and an actuating device. Each component is designed to cause destructive interference of the impressed acoustic pressure field. A piezocomposite actuator is presented for active underwater attenuation control of an impressed acoustic field. The actuator is composed of bilaminate plates for absorption of both the reflection and the transmission of normally incident acoustic waves independent of the backing impedance. An electromechanical model of the bilaminate piezocomposite design with an analytical discussion is presented. An illustrated numerical example and discussion of system implications are included.