2024-2025 NAS Patuxent River Base Guide

NAVAL AIR STATION

PATUXENT RIVER

2024-2025 Newcomer Guide with Installation Map Center of Excellence for Naval Aviation • www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent

Test Train Fight

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Welcome .................................................................5 NAS Patuxent River is located in Southern Maryland 65 miles south of Washington, D.C.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River ........................6 The job of managing Patuxent River requires the support of staff assistants and several departments throughout the naval air station.

NAVAIR at NAS Patuxent River ...........................8

The Naval Air Systems Command is headquartered at Pax River.

Partners in Excellence .........................................12

Home Sweet Home ........................................... 16 Pax River has nearly 800 housing units.

At Your Service .................................................. 18 A myriad of agencies offer assistance and services to newcomers and their families.

Recreation & Leisure ......................................... 28 The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department sponsors dozens of recreation programs and leisure activities.

Our Rich Heritage .............................................. 33 Surpassing 70 years, the naval air station has evolved into the center of excellence for naval aviation.

The NAS complex provides airfield facilities, public works support, security, housing and office space for two headquarters and more than 50 tenant activities.

Academic Programs........................................... 39

Arrival & Settling In.............................................14

Foldout Maps

Information on getting here from metro areas and what you will need to do when you get here.

Our Neighbors ................................................... 43

Shoppers’ Guide

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland

29088 Airpark Dr., Easton, MD 21601 (410) 822-1500 www.adamspg.com Executive Editor: Eli Wohlenhaus Sales: Ryan Ebaugh Graphic Designer: Steve Baird

COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT Derrick Kingsley

The Naval Air Station Patuxent River Guide is an authorized publication for members of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River. It is printed by DC Military Publications, a division of APG Media of Chesapeake in Easton, MD., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy, under exclusive contract with Naval Air Station Patuxent River. All editorial content is prepared and edited by the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. Opinions expressed herein by writers are their own and are not official expressions by the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Navy or APG Media of the products or services advertised.

Everything in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Copyright 2024.

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Table of Contents

Telephone Directory ..............................................4

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Telephone Directory Area Code for all numbers is 301, unless otherwise listed

DEPARTMENTS American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Communication 877-272-7337 Bachelor Housing 995-2754 CAC/ID Card issue (Building 409) 342-1054/1058/7306 CAC/ID Card issue (Gate 1) 342-4952 Command Career Counselor (NAS) 342-1562 Command Duty Office (NAS) 342-1095/1096 Commissary 342-3789/3630 Dental Clinic (appointments) 342-1407 After-Hours 342-1506 Employee Relations • NAF 342-0943 • NAS/NDW 202-433-6863 • NAVAIR 342-3913 Fleet and Family Support Center 342-4911 Pass Offices • Gate 2 342-3231 • Webster Outlying Field Closed (Wednesday Only) Household Goods 757-9658/9660/9666 Housing Welcome Center 342-3846 Legal Assistance Services 342-7510 Lincoln Military Housing 240-895-0380 Naval Health Clinic 342-1418/1419 Appointments /After-Hours 342-1506 Nurse Advice Line 800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1 NAS Security Shift Lieutenant 757-4666 NAS Security Desk Sergeant/ 757-4669, 995-1941 NAS Security Watch Commander Navy Exchange 342-0606 Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (877) NAVY-BED (628-9233) 342-3601 Navy Lodge (800) NAVY-INN (628-9466), 737-2400 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 342-4739/4817 After-Hours emergency 324-1095/1096 Noise Hotline 866-819-9028 Personal Property Office 757-9658/9660/9666 Personnel Support Detachment 342-7303/4000 Pharmacy 301-757-2605

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Refills Photo Lab (official portraits) Public Affairs Offices • COMFRC • NAS • NAVAIR • NAWCAD Religious Programs Staff Judge Advocate

800-377-1723 342-1269 757-7178 757-6748/3343 301-757-1487 301-757-2211 342-3811 342-1041

RECREATION AND LEISURE Aquatics Programs Auto Skills Center Bowling Center Child Development Center 2813 Child Development Center 2030 Child Development Homes Providers Cedar Point Golf Course Center Stage Theater Drill Hall (sports, fitness and rec center) Energy Zone Community Recreation Office Liberty Program Mattapany Day Camp Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) MWR Programs at NAS Pax River MWR Fitness and Sports MWR Administrative Offices Rassieur Youth Center Rental Equipment West Basin Marina Naval Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons NRC Administrative Offices NRC Adventure Zone NRC Point Patience Marina NRC Lodging

NRC Pool

757-3943 342-3507 342-3994 342-3636 342-7636 342-3960 342-3597 342-3572 342-3519 757-3943 342-3648 324-3648 342-4800/1694 342-3510 (not listed below) 342-3508 (not listed below) 342-0942 342-1694 342-3648 342-3573 (410) 326-6836 (410) 326-2964 (410) 326-2859 (877) NAVY-BED (628-9233), (410) 326-2924 (410) 326-6867

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N A ai rv aSl t aA tv i i oa nt i Po an x B Re i gv i enr s

Welcome to Naval Air Station Pax River

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elcome to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, an installation of aviation excellence. Located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, where the Patuxent River joins the Chesapeake Bay, the air station occupies more than 14,500 acres. The main base is situated next to Lexington Park, with Webster Outlying Field a dozen miles to the south, and the Naval Recreation Center Solomons across the river in Calvert County.

Commissioned in April 1943, Naval Air Station Patuxent River was built to centralize air testing facilities needed for World War II. By mid-August of that year, light test, radio test, aircraft armament and the aircraft experimental and development squadrons were in place at Pax River. After the war, Pax River continued to serve at the forefront of naval aeronautics, including space exploration; four of the seven original Mercury astronauts were graduates of the Naval Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River.

Today, Pax River continues that proud legacy of innovation by developing the platforms and leaders of naval aviation’s future. The installation is host to more than 50 mission partner activities including Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. NAS Pax River is home to the full spectrum of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) for all of naval aviation.

We strive to meet the needs of our fleet, fighters, and families every day.

This guide will help you to familiarize yourself to NAS Patuxent River, the local community, and what both have to offer. Other resources available are the base magazine, Pax Press, and the Pax River Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ NASPaxRiver .

Go Navy, Capt. Douglas Burfield Commanding Officer NAS Patuxent River

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Naval Air Station Patuxent River www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent Automated Base Operator: 301-342-3000 Nestled in Southern Maryland’s St. Mary’s County on a peninsula where the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay meets sits Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Approximately 90 miles north of the fleet in Norfolk, Va., and 65 miles south of the Nation’s Capitol, the 14,500acre complex includes the main station in Lexington Park, Webster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes, Naval Recreation Center Solomons in Calvert County, and Bloodsworth Island Range in the Chesapeake Bay. Of this acreage, the federal government acquired roughly 7,500 acres through eminent domain, inheriting a considerable inventory of pre-historic and historic resources.

Since its commissioning April 1, 1943, the installation has progressed from being known as the east coast’s Naval Air Transport Service base, testing experimental aircraft, equipment and material into a Center of Excellence for Naval Aviation.

The workforce at the air station increased nearly tenfold in the mid-1990s when a round of Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC) brought more than 20,000 military and civilian employees here as the air station it was selected to host the headquarters of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). In addition to NAVAIR and NAWCAD, this BRAC consolidation and integration also relocated more than 50 tenant activities here.

Now, with little more than 800 employees assigned to the host naval air station staff, the civilian and military “Pax Pros” work hard to ensure the continued security, safety and first-class services are provided to all 20,000+ employees working aboard the installation.

Pax River’s mission is to: • Provide outstanding base operating support to our mission tenant commands.

• Deliver effective and efficient installation management enabling tenants to achieve integrated warfare systems and life cycle sustainment.

• Champion all tenant’s readiness for research, development, acquisition, testing and evaluation (RDAT&E), engineering and fleet support to the

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entire range of manned and unmanned naval aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft support systems and ship/ shore/air operations.

The distinctive synergy of the air station’s two largest tenants — NAVAIR and NAWCAD — in providing full spectrum RDAT&E capabilities are unique within the Department of Defense and ensures the air station’s status as being leaders in naval aviation continues into the 21st century.

The Navy is the largest employer in Southern Maryland. Approximately 70 percent of Pax employees live in St. Mary’s County, 19 percent reside in nearby Calvert and Charles counties, and the remainder calls other Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania counties home.

As the Air Station grows to fulfill its mission as a Center of Excellence for research, development, acquisition, test and evaluation of military aircraft, so does the Navy’s commitment to the community it serves.

For the past 70 years, the naval air station, its tenants and its neighboring community have worked handin-hand in a variety of issues and in providing mutual support. Each appreciates the efforts made to improve the quality of life for the community and for Pax River’s employees and their families.

To that end, the Naval Air Station Pax River Commanding Officer encourages employees to volunteer and support the community. Pax River employees provide thousands of hours in volunteer work for the community in a variety of categories each year. Additionally, naval air station employees provide speeches and briefings to a variety of groups and organizations, schools, local media and government officials on a continuing basis.

The support the U.S. Navy and the air station has received from its Southern Maryland neighbors throughout the last 70 years has led to the air station’s success in naval aviation, and remains key to the installation’s future achievements.

You can learn more about NAS Patuxent River online at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASPaxRiver.

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https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NASPatuxent-River/About/Annexes/WebsterOutlying-Field/ Located in St. Inigoes, about 12 miles southwest of the NAS Patuxent River complex, Webster Outlying Field is home elements of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, and components of the Maryland National Guard.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Webster Outlying Field.

In fall 2012, ground was broke for a new Tactical UAS facility for the group at Webster.

Navy Recreation Center Solomons http://www.navymwrsolomons.com

NAWCAD elements www.navair.navy.mil/nawcad NAWCAD 4.5 has four dynamic engineering divisions that provide unique and much needed product design and development, warfighter rapid response/irregular warfare rapid prototyping, and life cycle fleet support for many critical systems for the Navy, other agencies within the DOD, and federal agencies outside of the DOD. These engineering divisions are: 1) Air Traffic Control Systems, 2) Identification Systems, 3) Integrated Communications and Information Systems, and 4) Special Communications Requirements.

Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes https://www.uscg.mil/d5/ Off the beaten path at the edge of the Webster Outlying Field sits Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes. The station is one of five under the control of the Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, which is responsible for all operations in the Potomac River, middle and upper Chesapeake Bay, and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The station is made of active-duty and Reserve enlisted members whose primary duties include search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, marine environmental protection and recreational boating safety.

Maryland National Guard www.military.maryland.gov/NG/Pages/default. aspx The Maryland National Guard manages some Tactical

Just north of the naval air station across the Patuxent River is Navy Rec Center (NRC) Solomons, a recreation center that offers more than just beautiful accommodations along some of the prettiest views on the east coast. It hosts a full range of leisure activities and fun for the entire family.

NRC Solomons is the largest outdoor recreation facility in the Navy and is operated by MWR. Read what NRC Solomons has to offer in the Recreation & Leisure Section of this guide, Pages 29-30.

Bloodsworth Island Range

https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NASPatuxent-River/About/Annexes/BloodsworthIsland-Range/ Bloodsworth Island Range (BIR) has been a Navy range for more than 70 years. Located in the Chesapeake Bay off the shores of Dorchester County, Maryland, the range consists of five islands: Bloodsworth, Pone, Adam, Northeast, and the submerged Great Cove Island.

From 1942 to 1995, the Navy used the range as a shore bombardment and bombing range for firing and dropping live ordnance from ships and aircraft.

Although the Navy continues to voluntarily cease impact operations at BIR, including the dropping of live and inert ordnance, it is still an active military range owned and managed by NAS Pax River.

Federal law prohibits trespassing on all BIR land, waters within 75 yards of land, and waters within a circle 0.5 mile in radius on the west side of Bloodsworth and Pone Islands.

Entering these areas is unsafe due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and anyone found within the prohibited areas can be prosecuted under 18 USC Section 1382.

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Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Webster Outlying Field

Working aboard NAS Patuxent River

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) www.navair.navy.mil www.facebook.com/NAVAIR www.youtube.com/NAVAIRSYSCOM

NAVAIR is headquartered at NAS Patuxent River and employs approximately 35,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel who are stationed at eight locations across the continental United States and one site overseas.

One of seven Navy acquisition systems commands, NAVAIR serves as the principal provider for naval aviation. NAVAIR’s mission is to provide full life-cycle support of naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. This support includes research, design, development and systems engineering; acquisition; test and evaluation; training facilities and equipment; repair and modification; and in-service engineering and logistics support.

NAVAIR also provides analysis and decision support to assist Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and their program managers in balancing cost, schedule and performance.

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NAVAIR has four affiliated PEOs: • Tactical Aircraft Programs, commonly referred to as PEO (T) • Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs, or PEO (A) • Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, or PEO (U&W) • Joint Strike Fighter, or PEO (JSF), which alternates service lead with the U.S. Air Force.

NAVAIR is organized into eight “competencies” or communities of practice including: program management; contracts; research and engineering; test and evaluation; logistics and industrial operations; corporate operations; comptroller; and counsel. This organizational model enables our workforce to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to deliver products and services.

NAVAIR offers career opportunities in fields such as engineering, computer science, electronics, finance, logistics and contracts management. Find out more online at www.navair.navy.mil/jobs.

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www.navair.navy.mil/nawcad

NAWCAD is the Navy’s principal research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) engineering and fleet support activity for naval aircraft, engines, avionics, support systems, weapons, 5th generation weapon system integration and ship/shore/air integration.

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Pax River’s special-use airspace. ATR also provides dynamic radar cross-section measurements that characterize the radar signature over multiple frequencies.

• NAWCAD has Air Vehicles/Materials Labs and Facilities, including the adhesive bonding and technology lab, Hush House for integrated airframeengine testing, Propulsion Systems Evaluation Facility and a materials lab.

• Avionics/Mission and Sensors Division provides a broad spectrum of mission systems and RF sensors including the Antenna Testing Laboratory Automated System and the Ship/Shore Communications and Electronics System Team at Webster Outlying Field.

The Combat and Communication Systems team designs, integrates and tests communication.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) 301-342-3401

Products and Services

A full range of acquisition support for air combat systems ranging from basic research to in-service engineering and logistics is offered. This is a unique service within the Department of Defense.

• Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test Department operates, maintains and manages the only Navy-installed system test facility to support test and evaluation. The department maintains a variety of aircraft facilities to provide both physical and simulated environments. These facilities are designed to place test articles in a real-world threat environment.

From launch to recovery, every phase and aspect of a mission is simulated to enable engineers to assess the performance, mission effectiveness and interoperability of avionics and weapons systems under test.

IBST is a collection of diverse laboratories and facilities, each with its own mission and identity.

Together these labs provide a full spectrum test capability that makes use of modeling and simulation, distributed testing and ground testing.

• Atlantic Test Ranges (ATR) are fully instrumented and integrated test ranges that provide full-service support for cradle-to-grave testing and training. This support includes RDT&E of aircraft and training for aircrew and integrated avionics and mission systems.

ATR designs, develops, integrates, installs, maintains and operates all test range instrumentation, communications and digital data gathering and handling equipment at NAS Patuxent River for NAVAIR, including acquisition, surveillance and tracking radar, special purpose electronic combat emitters, videographic and photographic instrumentation, and laser and optical tracking systems. ATR provides flight test control and range safety functions, Mid-Atlantic Area Frequency Coordinator services and coordinates

NTWL is a component command of NAWCAD, and is composed of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24 and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

The Wing is the Navy’s principal flight and ground test activity for the development and acquisition of aviation systems with a continual focus on war fighting requirements and solidly defensible allocation of resources. It provides aircrew and aircraft assets, maintenance support, operational and safety oversight, process and facility support to conduct developmental test and evaluation of aviation systems.

NTWL educates test pilots and flight test engineers in the processes and techniques of aircraft and systems test and evaluation, and strives to remove obstacles to squadron effectiveness and efficiency.

The active-duty military assigned to NTWL and its squadrons are fleet advocates with a continual focus on war fighting requirements.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 301-342-4765

VX-20 was commissioned to provide full-spectrum developmental ground and flight test services in support of Navy and Marine Corps Fleet programs associated with RDT&E of the following aircraft and mission systems: E-2C/D Hawkeye, P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton, E-6B Mercury, C-130F/R/T/J Hercules, T-34C Mentor and the T-6A Texan II. The squadron is responsible for active flight test and evaluation in all phases of the weapons system life cycle, including aircraft carrier suitability testing, navigation, aerial refueling, strategic airborne communications, airborne surveillance and intelligence collection, airborne early warning

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Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

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systems, carrier onboard delivery and advanced training aircraft missions.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 301-342-1762

HX-21 performs developmental testing and evaluation of rotary wing and tilt-rotor aircraft and their associated airborne sensors and weapon systems for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The squadron is comprised of military, DOD civilians and contractors who operate and maintain a fleet of H-1, H-3, H-53, H-57, H-60 and V-22 series aircraft. HX-21 is actively engaged in the development of the next generation of rotary wing and tilt-rotor aircraft systems supporting all combat and combat support missions conducted by United States Maritime Forces.

The major flight test program platforms currently underway include the AH-1Z Cobra, UH-1Y Huey, MV-22B Osprey, CH-53E Super Stallion, CH-53K King Stallion, and MH-60R Seahawk.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 301-342-4200

VX-23 is NAVAIR’s largest flight test organization.

The squadron’s mission is to support the RDT&E of fixed wing tactical aircraft by providing aircraft and pilots, maintenance services, safety oversight and facility support for these efforts. Primary areas of support include flying qualities and performance evaluations, shipboard suitability, propulsion system testing, tactical aircraft mission system testing, ordnance compatibility and ballistic efforts, reliability and maintainability assessments, flight fidelity simulation and flight control software development.

The squadron also provides government flight representatives, test monitoring, chase aircraft support and facilities for contractor demonstration, validation and development work involving tactical aircraft and associated systems.

Navy, Marine Corps and foreign national officers, Navy and Marine Corps enlisted, DOD civilians and contractors are directly involved with aircraft maintenance, test planning and conduct, safety oversight and support of the squadron’s 44 F/A-18A-D Hornet,

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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, T-45A/C Goshawk aircraft and EA-6B Prowler; plus, the ongoing contractor demonstration efforts with F-35B/C Lighting II. Additionally, VX-23 is supported by hundreds of flight test engineers and technicians provided by the Integrated Systems, Evaluation, Experimentation and Test Department and various contractors. The squadron conducts more than 3,150 flight operations annually, totaling approximately 4,400 flight hours, much of which involves high-risk flight test. VX-23 conducts both shore based and shipboard operations locally from facilities which include three large aircraft hangars. The squadron also operates and maintains a TC-7 catapult and MK-7 arresting gear test sites.

Air Test & Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24 301-995-8040 The mission of Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Two Four (UX-24) is to conduct research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). UX-24 conducts RDT&E on Group 1-5 UAS, including platforms such as RQ-21 Blackjack, RQ-23 Tigershark, RQ-26 Aerostar, MQ-8 Fire Scout, and MQ-25 Stingray.

UX-24’s team is comprised of experts in the unmanned aircraft test community from engineers and air vehicle operators to United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates. In addition to supporting programs of record, the team also supports warfighter Urgent Needs Statements as well as test demands from sister services, other government agencies and research institutions. To streamline UAS operations and test, UX-24 maintains the following: A “Blanket” Category 3 Interim Flight Clearance that covers all government-owned Group 1 & 2 UAS operating with UX-24 at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) ranges for both landand ship-based operations.

Close working relationship with Atlantic Test Range Safety for rapid assessment and mitigation of potential UAS hazards.

Airspace scheduling expertise to meet the cus-

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Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi-Role Squadron (VUQ) 10

VUQ-10 and the MQ-25 Fleet Training is located aboard NAS Patuxent River, MD. This enables the Fleet to integrate in the development and test of the MQ-25A Stingray. VUQ-10’s ultimate mission is to man, train and equip Fleet Aviators to operate the Unmanned Carrier Launched Air Vehicle in the fleet now, support MQ-25 testing to man, train and equip Aviators and Sailors to operate the MQ-25 in an operational environment.

U.S. Naval Test Pilot School 22783 Cedar Point Road 301-757-5041

The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School provides instruction to experienced pilots, flight officers and engineers in the processes and techniques of aircraft and systems test and evaluation. The school educates and trains military and civilians from all U.S. military services, other U.S. government agencies and foreign nations. The school investigates and develops new flight test techniques, publishes manuals for use by the aviation test community in standardization of flight test techniques and project reporting and conducts special projects. The squadron maintains its staff as a focal point of expertise providing the aviation test community with engineering and training consultation.

Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC)

47038 McLeod Road, Building 448 301-757-2463

Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC), headquartered at NAS Patuxent River is Naval Aviation’s provider of choice for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities and services. Its mission is to produce quality airframes, engines, components and support equipment, and provide services that meet the Naval

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Aviation Enterprise’s aircraft ready-for-tasking goals with improved effectiveness and efficiency.

COMFRC has more than 16,000 military, civilian and contractor aviation maintenance professionals who deliver safe and effective airborne platforms and ground equipment to the Sailors and Marines who defend our national interests around the globe.

The Navy’s eight Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), with locations on the U.S. east and west coasts and in Japan, conduct maintenance, repair and overhaul of U.S. Navy aircraft, engines, components and support equipment. Each year, FRCs overhaul and repair nearly 1,000 aircraft, thousands of engines and several hundred thousand components valued at approximately $4 billion.

Naval Air Station Air Operations 47795 Jackson Road, Building 103 301-342-3837

Air Operations handles more than 148,575 air operations annually. With its five divisions, Air Ops manages two Navy airfields, including air traffic control services within special use airspace and to 23 general aviation airports within 6,800 square miles of delegated airspace. Additional services include maintenance of air navigation aids and landing systems as well as other local and remotely sited ground electronic equipment, search and rescue helicopter services, and transient line maintenance services for visiting aircraft.

Logistics flight services are also provided for all tenant activities attached to the naval air station with the UC-12B aircraft

Naval Air Station Port Operations Bauhof Road, Building 312 301-342-3368

Port Operations works closely with the Environmental Department and Supply Fuel Division in providing Oil Spill Response. Additional Port Ops capabilities include search and rescue support, and environmental services support for three separate facilities and 23 miles of shoreline.

By conforming to the Code of Federal Regulations 33 part 154, Oil Pollution Act 90, OPNAVINST 5090.1, and state and local laws and regulations, Port Operations supports the Marine Transfer Licenses rights held by the base and its ability to maintain National and Area Spill Contingency Plans.

Port Ops maintains the most diverse and highly capable Response Team in the Region. The Oil Spill First Responder Team comprises personnel assigned to Port Ops, volunteers from throughout the air station including security, fire, safety, MWR, industrial hygiene, the clinic, as well as local volunteer fire department personnel.

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tomer’s needs from concurrent UAS operations to exclusive-use airspace.

Frequency spectrum management and/or oversight.

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Partners in Excellence

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 301-757-1468 47298 Tate Road, Hangar 305 vx-1.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/

The principal mission of VX-1 is to test and evaluate airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime anti-surface warfare (SUW) weapon systems, airborne strategic weapon systems, as well as support systems, equipment and materials in an operational environment.

The squadron also develops, reviews and disseminates new ASW/SUW tactics and procedures for fleet use, serving as the model manager for all such tactical publications.

Because of the squadron’s unique position as the interfacing unit between the development of new weapon and mission systems and subsequent introduction to the fleet, VX-1 is considered the squadron that “Does it First.”

A variety of operational aircraft are assigned to VX-1 including the P-8A Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft, P-3C Orion, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, MH-60R and MH-60S. Additionally, VX-1 provides test and evaluation support for such diverse programs as the EP-3 Aries II, E-6B Mercury, KC-130J Hercules, and the MQ-8B Fire Scout, RQ-121A Blackjack and Triton Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

As anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations evolve to defeat emerging threats to national security, so too does the nature of projects assigned for evaluation.

The squadron has numerous projects assigned, from

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complete airframe upgrades to weapon system evaluation of electronic, acoustic and optic methods of ship and submarine detection, classification, and attack.

VX-1, in its role as the Navy’s air ASW/SUW operational evaluator, meets regularly with our allies to share tactical knowledge and advancement. With ASW continuing as a vital multi-national mission, these contacts have been invaluable to tactical development.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4

301-342-3374 www.tacamo.navy.mil/vq4/vq4_home.html The “Take Charge and Move Out,” or TACAMO, mission began in 1961 as a test program to determine if an airborne Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system was feasible.

On July 1, 1968, the VQ-4 Detachment was established at NAS Patuxent River as a permanent operational squadron. The squadron’s homeport is in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, but still has a detachment at NAS Pax River, consisting of approximately 160 maintenance and security personnel.

Since its commissioning, VQ-4 evolved into a squadron of approximately 400 officers and Sailors making it one of the largest operational aviation squadrons in today’s Navy. A reflection of their extraordinary dedication to safety and operational excellence, the “Shadows” surpassed 38 years and 352,500 flight hours of Class A mishap-free operations.

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47795 Jackson Road, Building 103 301-342-4130

Fleet Weather Center – Norfolk, Forecast Component Patuxent River, is a tenant unit onboard NAS Patuxent River and operates as a subordinate activity of the Fleet Weather Center – Norfolk (FWC-N) in Norfolk, Va. The component provides services for local flying activities. Certified forecasters take hourly observations, provide flight weather briefings, produce aerodrome weather forecasts, and issue weather warnings for NAS Patuxent River and tenant commands.

The Automated Surface Observation System installed at Pax River and Webster Outlying Field provides continuous readouts of weather conditions at each site.

Closed-circuit television product line spans three channels of information disseminated throughout the station.

Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD)

22401 Cedar Point Road, Building 102 www.aviation.marines.mil/Units/ MADPatuxentRiver.aspx 301-342-1101 The Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD) is responsible to the Deputy Commandant for Aviation regarding U.S. Marine Corps manpower support of NAVAIR. MAD’s role is to support the Marine Corps’ equity in the various naval aviation acquisition programs through the entire life cycle. Assignments for the service members at MAD range from program managers, logistics and fleet support, to test pilots, engineers and administrative support.

The Commanding Officer performs duties as aviation occupational field sponsor and advocate for the entire Marine aviation acquisition work force. He provides assistance to the Commandant of the Marine Corps through the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, in coordination with the Marine Corps Systems Command and the Deputy Commandant for Manpower in the career development of Marine Corps members assigned nationwide to the aviation acquisition work force.

Navy Munitions Command CONUS East Division Detachment Patuxent 22824 Utgoff Road, Building 253 301-342-5018

Navy Munitions Command CONUS, or Continental U.S., East Division Detachment Patuxent is responsible for providing Fleet Ordnance Support (FOS) to local customers as well as designated research and development projects in support of test and evaluation of fixed and

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rotary wing aircraft. Detachment Patuxent River functions as the principle point of contact for explosive ordnance facility oversight and sustaining stock points assigned; to provide quality and responsive ordnance material handling, technical, material support to the Fleet and other customers in the areas of retail ammunition management; and to manage and operate explosives ordnance facilities at NAS Patuxent River.

Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 http://www.nrl.navy.mil/vxs1/ 301-342-3744

Home of the Warlocks. Comprised of over 70 officers, enlisted members and government civilians, the mission of the squadron is to operate and maintain uniquely configured P-3 and C-12 aircraft in direct support of Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) airborne research projects. Additionally, the squadron provides reporting oversight for nine ScanEagle UAS and the Department of Defense’s only airship, the MZ-3A. It’s a mission that the squadron has safely executed for more than 50 years.

The Warlocks have a proud history dating back to 1963. Designated as the NRL Flight Support Detachment, the detachment became renowned for the distinctive orange and white paint schemes which donned its aircraft. For forty years, the detachment served as NRL’s airborne arm for Science and Technology (S&T) research, conducting worldwide detachments in support of the Navy, DOD, and other government agencies that contribute to Naval research. In 2004, faced with increasing complexity, operations tempo, and worldwide deployments, the Chief of Naval Operations established the detachment as a stand-alone shore activity, designating it as Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1.

Today, the Warlocks endeavor to carry-on the proud tradition of superlative S&T support left by its forbearers.

Gone are the stalwart orange and white P-3s, but the squadron’s fleet of two NP-3Cs and one RC-12M provide the necessary footprint to meet the demand signal required by its customer base. Deploying around the globe in support of a wide range of S&T research projects, the Warlocks strive for technological enhancements that candirectly augment existing fleet capabilities. Indeed, recent squadron operations both abroad and at home have made important, tangible contributions to Navy readiness.

Understanding the critical link between readiness and safety, the squadron seeks ways to weave a safetyminded consciousness throughout its daily activities. The squadron’s stellar flight safety record which spans more than 50 years and 69,000 mishap-free flight hours is a continuing source of pride.

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Partners in Excellence

Fleet Weather Center – Norfolk, Forecast Component Patuxent River

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Arrivals & Settling in Working aboard NAS Patuxent River

Transportation from Airports

Arrivals via commercial air carrier land at one of three airports in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas: • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport are located in the Washington, D.C., metro area; and • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is close to Baltimore.

Because of our rural location, public transportation between NAS Patuxent River and the airports is very limited. You can find some public transportation by conducting a search on the Internet. You will want to ensure that you have either a major credit card or enough cash on hand to spend the night in a hotel or rent a car. Taxi service is available, but may cost more than $100 from the airports to the station.

To be reimbursed for taxi fares or rental car fees, orders must state: “Authorized to utilize taxi or rental car from airport to ultimate destination.”

Coordinating your arrival with your sponsor or the Command Duty Office may help prevent transportation problems. Find your Command Duty Office number on the Pax River website at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on “Command POCs for Inbound Sailors” under the Popular Links section on the right. The naval air station’s

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Command Duty Office telephone number is 301-342-1095 or DSN 342-1095.

Vehicle Registration

Per CNIC Instruction 5530.14A, permanently assigned personnel operating a motorized vehicle on NAS Patuxent River are required to register their vehicle at the installation Visitor Control Center and show proof the vehicle is in compliance with the state requirements for vehicle registration to include emissions testing. Vehicles registered outside the jurisdiction shall have a valid certificate of compliance from the state or local vehicle inspection program requiring emissions testing. Vehicles registered in the jurisdiction shall have a valid certificate of compliance and registration. Additionally, the following are required for all vehicles that are operated on NAS Patuxent River: 1) Proof of motor vehicle ownership and state registration.

Valid state registration plates must appear on all vehicles.

2) A valid state driver’s license.

3) A valid base identification card or Common Access Card.

4) Certification of current motor vehicle liability insurance in an amount that meets the minimum limits prescribed by the Financial Responsibility Law of the state of Maryland.

5) Permission for vehicle search upon request by proper authority.

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Privately Owned Weapons Registration

Naval Air Station Patuxent River Instruction (NASPAXRIVINST) 5510.16M, dated July 2020, identifies the procedures for the possession, registration, and use of privately owned weapons aboard the Naval Air Station.

Entering the Base

Entering Naval Air Station Patuxent River can be confusing for first-time visitors. There are three entry gates, all accessible from Route 235, also known as Three Notch Road, in Lexington Park. Be prepared to have your ID card scanned by the Sentry at each Entry Control Point.

Pass Offices

The NAS Public Safety Pass Office located at Gate 2 provides various services to Pax River residents, employees and visitors. The office is only open weekdays, excluding holidays, with the hours listed below. Please make advance arrangements and expect delays of up to two hours.

Gate 1

Location: Intersection of Pegg Road and Route 235.

Two left-hand lanes on Route 235 will guide you into Gate 1. Landmarks to look for are office complexes on both sides of the road and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum on the left side.

Gate hours: Open 24/7 During the morning rush hour commute, 6-9 a.m. weekdays, Gate 1 has four inbound lanes and no outbound lane.

The normal inbound/outbound traffic configuration at Gate 1 resumes at 9 a.m.

Truck inspection is completed at Gate 1 only.

CAC/ID services: The Gate 1 CAC/ID Office (Bldg.

2389) is open 6 a.m.-5:40 p.m., Monday-Friday and closed on federal holidays. For more information, call the Gate 1 CAC/ID Office at 301-342-4952.

Gate 2

301-342-3231 Location: Approximately 3/4 mile south of Gate 1, on the left-hand side of Route 235, when heading south.

Landmarks to look for include offices and businesses on the right side of the road, and the NAS fence line on the left. After passing Shangri-La Drive, there are two lanes to

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the left entering the base. If you do not need to stop at the Pass Office, you may enter Gate 2 at this point. If you need services at the Pass Office, you should stay in the right line that turns left.

Gate hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, closed weekends and holidays.

For the morning rush hour commute, 5:30-9 a.m.. weekdays, Gate 2 has three inbound lanes and one outbound lane. The normal inbound/outbound traffic configuration at Gate 2 resumes at 9 a.m.

Pass Office services: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, closed holidays and weekends. The Gate 2 Pass Office is immediately to the right after making the turn onto the base.

Issuance of visitor’s passes, weapons registration (see NASPAXRIVINST 5510.16M at www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent), and scheduling and arranging for special events are available during these hours. Expect possible wait times of up to two hours.

Additional parking for Gate 2 Pass Office services is available at the Frank Knox Building; continue south past Great Mills Road and make the next left into the large parking lot. Park and walk around the east side of the building to the Gate 2 Pass office.

Gate 3 Location: Approximately 2 miles south of Gate 2 on Route 235, 2-3/4 miles south of Gate 1. Turn left at the intersection of Hermanville Road/Forest Park Road.

Gate hours: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (inbound), and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (outbound) weekdays, closed weekends and holidays.

Pass Office services: None available

Naval Rec Center Solomons Location/Gate hours: The main gate to NRC Solomons is located off of the southbound side of MD Route 4 and is open 24/7.

Pass Office services: Passes for entry onto the NRC can be obtained from the NAS Patuxent River Pass Office.

Webster Outlying Field 301-995-8842

Location/Gate hours: The main gate to Webster Outlying Field is located down Villa Road and is open 24/7.

Pass Office services: Passes for entry onto Webster Outlying Field can be obtained from the NAS Patuxent River Gate 2 Pass Office from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, closed holidays and weekends.

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6) Familiarization with NASPAXRIVINST 5560.2, Administration of Traffic Regulations.

7) Rental vehicle drivers must carry a rental agreement in the rental vehicle.

8) Sailors operating a motorcycle or scooter must have proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course that meets the requirements established by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and wear the require gear.

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Home Sweet Home Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Heroes stay with us!

22103 Mandt Road, Building 406 Reservations: 877-NAVYBED (628-9233) 301-342-3601 or DSN 342-3601 www.dodlodging.net Navy Gateway Inns and Suites combine all the comforts of a hotel while specializing in official business accommodations. If you’re traveling for leisure, don’t forget to check with NGIS! Reserve your room today! Pax River’s NGIS is the recipient of the Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Award for Excellence.

Who May Stay Policy: • Priority 1, Official Duty Traveler-Armed Forces activeduty military on temporary additional duty (TAD) or permanent change of station (PCS). U.S. DOD civilians, both APF and NAF, on TAD or PCS. Contractors traveling on government funded orders.

• Priority 2, Non-Duty Traveler rooms are offered on space available basis to Armed Forces active-duty military who are in a non-duty status, retired military, family members, and U.S. DOD civilians in a non-duty status and their accompanying family members.

The property consists of 35 Standard Queens, 74 Deluxe Queens (2 ADA accessible rooms) All rooms are equipped with one pillow-top queen-size bed, expanded cable, flat-screen TV’s, direct dial long distance service, free local and toll-free telephone service, free wireless internet, air conditioning & heat, hair dryers, single cup Keurig coffee machines, in-room guest safes, irons and ironing boards.

Deluxe Queens have a living room with full-size sofa bed and kitchenettes furnished with a microwave, refrigerator and cooktop. Standard Queens have a microwave and refrigerator with access to a common area kitchen.

The NGIS at NAS Patuxent River also recently completed a renovation and reopened Aug. 1, 2017.

Guest complimentary items include: NMCI computer access, Non-NMCI computer access, DSN telephone access, ice machines, coffee bar, washer/dryer facilities, daily housekeeping service and a vending area. The property also features a 20-person conference room available for rent.

Check-in begins at 3 p.m. and check-out is no later than 11 a.m.

Navy Lodge

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22148 Cuddihy Road, Building 2119 Reservations: 800-NavyINN (628-9466) 301-737-2400 | Fax: 301-862-7866 navylodge.patuxentriver@nexweb.org Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

All branches of service, active-duty (on duty or leisure) and retired military and their families, Reservists, DOD civilians, contractors on orders and other authorized guests can make reservations at the Navy Lodge.

The Navy Lodge is a pet-friendly, non-smoking facility. There are 48 units with queen beds and private baths. Of these 48 rooms, four sets are interconnecting, two are handicap-accessible and there are two family suites. Each unit contains a kitchenette with microwave, cook top, refrigerator, utensils and dining table. Rooms also have satellite television, free wireless internet, DVD player, air conditioning & heat, direct dial long distance service, toll-free telephone service, hairdryers, and irons and ironing boards. There is daily housekeeping, ice and snack vending machines, a playground, free DVD rentals and a washer/dryer facility for guest use. Navy Lodge also features a weekly Manager’s Reception in the lobby from 5-6 p.m.

Wednesdays with light refreshments.

Navy Lodge guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast that consists of assorted pastries, juices, fresh fruit, granola bars, oatmeal and coffee, from 6-9 a.m. weekdays, and until 9:30am on weekends.

Check-in starts at 3 p.m. and check-out time is noon daily.

Housing Welcome Center

21967 Cuddihy Road, Building 2371 301-342-3846 | Email: patuxentriver_housing@ navy.mil The Housing Service Center office provides housing referral services, both on and off station to military and civilian personnel. Our Public Private Venture Partner, Lincoln Military Housing, manages all military family housing units that are part of the NAS Patuxent River community.

Assignment policies, eligibility, and bedroom entitlement are determined by the government, and are in compliance with CNICINST 5009.5.

To apply for Military Family Housing, email or bring in the following documents, which can be obtained online at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent, click on Fleet and Family Readiness followed by Housing: 1. A completed DD-1746 (Application for

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Liberty Military Housing

21967 Cuddihy Road, Building 2371 240-895-0380

Our mission is to provide premier homes, outstanding management and responsive maintenance services to military families, who deserve nothing less.

We strive to understand the changing needs of military families and consider it our duty to improve the quality of life for those who live in our communities. The rent for living in military housing is equal to the basic allowance for housing rate for Pax River.

Liberty Military Housing offers several financial benefits as well as multiple programs and activities to foster a sense of community. Some benefits to being a Liberty Military Housing resident are: 1) Utility allowance/credit 2) 24-hour maintenance 3) No security deposit if the allotment payment option is selected 4) No pet deposit or monthly fee

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5) Maintained Grounds Currently, Liberty Military Housing is also accepting geographical bachelors and single service members as residents in select communities. The housing community center is also available for the benefit and recreation of housing residents for special events from birthday parties to receptions.

Columbia Colony Housing Area

Officer and Senior Enlisted Quarters: 92 three- and four-bedroom units. Floor plans vary by elevation. Units are equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central heat and air conditioning and a two car garage. Total square footage varies between 2,177 and 2,478 square feet. Some restrictions apply, call for information.

Challenger Estates Housing Area

Enlisted Quarters: 125 three- and four-bedroom units.

Floor plans vary by elevation. Units are equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central heat and air conditioning and a two car garage.

Total square footage varies between 1,770 and 2,338 square feet.

Carpenter Park Housing Area

Enlisted Quarters: 100 three- and four-bedroom units.

Units are equipped with an electric stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central heat and air conditioning and an exterior storage shed. Total square footage is 1,696.

Glenn Forest Housing Area

Enlisted Quarters: 238 two-, three- and four-bedroom units. Units are equipped with an electric stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal central heat and air conditioning and garage. Total square footage for a two-bedroom is 1,250; a three-bedroom is 1,780; and a four-bedroom is 1,900.

Lovell Cove Housing Area

Enlisted Quarters: 169 three- and four-bedroom units.

Floor plans vary by elevation. Units are equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, central heat and air conditioning and a two car garage.

Total square footage varies between 1,770 and 2,338 square feet.

Gold Coast

Officer Quarters: 20 two-, three- and four-bedroom units. Units are equipped with an electric stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal central heat and air conditioning and garage. Total square footage varies between 1,200 and 4,000 square feet.

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Assignment to Housing) 2. A copy of your PCS orders to Patuxent River a. email your detaching endorsement/loss UIC statement or a copy of stamped orders reflecting detaching date from your last permanent command; this determines application effective date. You usually will not receive this endorsement until your detaching date is near.

3. A current copy of your Page 2 or Certification of bona fide family members a. (members listed on the emergency data application) 4. Sex Offender Addendum JAG 5. Statement of Understanding 6. Current Leave and Earning Statement (LES) 7. Pax Release permission (allows information to be forwarded to PPV once added to the waitlist for housing).

Upon receipt of your complete application package, your application will be referred to a Leasing Consultant with Lincoln Military Housing for assignment to housing. Please note: assignment to PPV housing does not constitute breaking a lease agreement in the local community.

All service members are directed on their permanent change of station (PCS) to contact the Housing Office before making any arrangements for housing in the local community. This service assists in the location of suitable, non-discriminatory, affordable housing in the community through rental/sales listings by owners and local real estate brokers.

Housing referral counselors are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For your convenience, its office foyer is open 24-hours and maintains an abundance of information to include maps and website information for current property listings in the local community; visit www.Homes. mil for a list.

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At Your Service Administration 22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409 301-342-1029/1028

The Administration office provides staff, administrative, clerical and general management support services, command career counseling, command communications material system services, command duty office services, and administration and review of enlisted personnel requirements.

Command Career Counselors

22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409 301-342-1562 or DSN 342-1562 The Command Career Counselors (CCC) assist Navy members through guidance and accomplishment of career goals by offering training information and personal counseling. CCC conducts career information and training courses for department and tenant career counselors and supervisory personnel. Also offered are retention team meetings, retention and incentive briefs, pre-separation briefs, First Term Success Workshops, Petty Officer Selectee Courses and a wide variety of specific subject general military training. Spouses are encouraged to participate in the career counseling process whenever possible.

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River 47149 Buse Road, Building 1370

Quarterdeck: 301-342-1418/1419 www.med.navy.mil/sites/paxriver/Pages/index.html www.facebook.com/NHCPaxRiver

Medical Care Healthcare services are provided at the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River (NHCPR). Available services

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include: medical home port (family practice), behavioral health, case management, dental, aviation medicine, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), immunizations, industrial hygiene, laboratory, occupational health, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, preventative medicine, radiology, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP). For specialty care and services that are not available at NHCPR, patients are referred by their primary care provider to other military treatment facilities in the national capitol area such as: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Malcolm Grow at Naval Air Facility Andrews or Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Clinic Appointments

Appointments/After-Hours: 301-342-1506 Nurse Advice Line (24/7): 800-TRICARE (8742273), option 1 For more information on clinic hours, making an appointment, or leaving a non-urgent message for your Primary Care Manager (PCM), call the appointment line at 301342-1506.

NHCPR has a secure electronic messaging system available 24 hours a day. Please register for secure messaging with your provider at: www.TOLSecureMessaging.com. By enrolling in Secure Messaging via ChangeHealthcare, you can send a secure message to your provider or team any time of day or night from the comfort of your home. This allows you to email your provider, request appointments, Rx refills, referrals, test results and address questions or concerns. Your email will be answered within one business day; therefore, do not use for urgent issues.

All advice after hours should be directed to nurse advice line for triage.

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NHCPR is a Category 3 facility. The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Division coordinates the administrative actions required to assist those members who request entry or update within the EFMP. The EFMP Coordinator is located at the Naval Health Clinic. You may reach the EFMP Coordinator, by calling 301-995-3891 or the clinic’s quarterdeck at 301-342-1418/1419.

Pharmacy

301-757-2605 Refills: 800-377-1723 or www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/refill The pharmacy is located in the Navy Exchange on Cuddihy Road. The longest wait times are between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. If at all possible, plan your visit around these times to avoid delays in picking up medications. The busiest days are Thursdays and Fridays, especially those preceding a holiday weekend.

Please assist us in ensuring that you have an adequate supply of medication by picking up your medications ahead of time.

Dental Services

Dental Appointments: 301-342-1407/3496 After Hours: 301-342-1506 The dental clinic is a modern, well-equipped facility located within the naval health clinic. Military personnel are provided general dentistry, although some specialty care may require referrals to other military or civilian clinics. Routine examinations, annual deployment health screenings, activeduty sick call services and records check-in/check-out are available. Routine care requires an appointment.

Due to current military dental readiness and health requirements, family members and retirees are not routinely seen. Family members and retirees are encouraged to use their respective TRICARE Dental plan for their dental health needs. Dental exams do require an appointment, walk-ins will only be seen same day if space is available.

Emergencies do not require and appointment.

Customer Service and Patient Safety

Customer Relations Officer: 301-995-4980 The naval health clinic’s goal is to provide all beneficiaries with excellent customer service. Additionally, it promotes the National Patient Safety Goals and encourages patients to always ask about a procedure, medical term, medication, etc., that they are concerned about or not sure of.

Emergency and Urgent Care

Urgent care services are medically necessary services which are required for illness or injury that would not result in further disability or death if not treated immediately, but require professional attention and have the potential to develop such a threat if treatment is delayed longer than 24 hours.

During clinic hours, call 301-342-1506 to speak to a nurse who will evaluate symptoms. If same-day care is needed, the caller will be offered an acute appointment at the clinic. If no appointment is available, active duty personnel must obtain a

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referral authorizing a visit to a local urgent care center. Nonactive duty personnel are encouraged to check availability of care at clinic prior to seeking urgent care, but are not required to obtain a referral in order to obtain urgent care services.

Call the Nurse Advice Line for triage (NAL) 1-800-8742273 after hours.

Patients who obtain urgent care before getting an approval, should call the clinic within three business days to request a referral for their urgent care visit. Failure to obtain a referral from a PCM within three business days will cause their care to be covered under the point of service option and you will be charged.

If you require urgent care while traveling, you must coordinate the care with your PCM and/or the TRICARE East (Humana) before receiving care. If you cannot reach your PCM, call 1-877-TRICARE to notify them of your need for urgent care. Carry a TRICARE pocket card or the Traveling with Prime info sheet with you when traveling for quick access to important phone numbers.

TRICARE and DEERS

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is fortunate to have a Healthcare Benefits Advisor inside the clinic. Upon arrival at NAS Pax River, all active duty personnel must enroll in TRICARE East. This can be done by coming into the clinic and visiting the on-site Healthcare Benefits Advisor, by calling 877-TRICARE or by going to this website: https:// www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/bwe/indexAction.do. Beneficiaries are encouraged to establish a Humana account at www. humana.com to ensure access to their medical care.

On-site services include: Enrollment and PCM assignment, TRICARE program and benefit information, referral assistance, and claims assistance. It is critical that DEERS information is kept up-to-date. This is the responsibility of the military sponsor and can be done at the PSD office.

Child and Youth Programs

At NAS Patuxent River our goal is to provide developmentally appropriate programs that nurture the “whole child,” in an atmosphere that is friendly, safe and healthy which encourages self-expression and creativity.

Child Development Center/Annex 22027 Cuddihy Road, Building 2813 (main center) 301-342-3636/8988 22017 Bundy Road, Building 2030 (annex) 301-342-7636 Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays

Families at Pax River find helpful resources at the Child Development Center and the Child Development Annex.

The centers offer full-time childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Both the Child Development Center and Annex are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. There is a high demand for childcare at NAS Patuxent River and eligible patrons can

make requests for childcare via the Military Child Care website at www.militarychildcare.com.

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Exceptional Family Member Program

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Hourly care is provided at each facility on a first come, first serve basis with limited availability.

Registration and reservations are required.

Child Development Home Providers 22017 Bundy Road, Building 2030 301-342-3960

Child Development Home (CDH) is your direct link to certified childcare providers, located in government housing on and off the installation, offer in-home care for families at Pax River. To use the services of the CDH program, eligible patrons can make request for care via the Military Child Care website at www.militarychildcare.com.

The CDH also offers employment opportunities for military spouses living on or off the installation. CDH providers work out of their homes, care for children, and have the flexibility to set their own hours and fees. Training and assistance is provided to all CDH providers.

Rassieur Youth Center 46983 Hinkle Circle, Building 1597 301-342-1694

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays The center houses the School Age Care (SAC) Program and the Teen Program. The SAC Program provides care for children before and after school as well as school holidays and breaks. The Teen Program operates Tuesdays through Fridays from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. and three Saturdays per month, providing programming for youth ages 13 to 18 years old.

Commissary

22155 Cuddihy Road, Building 2173 301-342-3789/3630 www.commissaries.com

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Closed Monday and most holidays The Commissary is also open for Early Bird shopping (15 items or less) from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Additional closures will be posted in the store.

Fleet and Family Support Center 21993 Bundy Road, Building 2090 301-342-4911

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) recognizes that being “military” is a lifestyle that presents challenges and opportunities for service members

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and their family. FFSC programs are intended to help make the most of military life. Workshops and seminars are open to active-duty and retired military, their family members, and if space is available, DOD civilians and contractor employees.

The FFSC three core programs are: crisis response, career support/retention and deployment support/ readiness.

Crisis Response Programs • Casualty/Disaster Response This quick response is provided for commands, personnel and families when they are faced with crisis situations ranging from accidents that result in serious injuries or loss of life, to natural or naval disasters, to evacuations or war.

In the midst or aftermath of an incident, the FFSC provides command consultation, crisis intervention, coordination of support, resources and volunteers, 24-hour information and referral, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, and follow-on counseling or referral services.

Clinical and Support Programs

• New Parent Support (NPS) NPS offers parents or parents-to-be education, pre and post natal support, parent support groups, and information and referral to community resources.

Services include hospital and home visitations, educational classes, and playgroup.

• Clinical Counseling Licensed clinical counselors provide short term and goal oriented counseling that includes individual, mar-

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tion education, case management and victim advocacy.

Career Support/Retention Programs

• Transition Assistance Program (TAP) DoD TAP is an outcome-based program that bolsters opportunities, services, and training for transitioning Service members in their preparation to meet postmilitary goals. The mandatory components of TAP are applicable for all Service members who have at least 180 continuous days or more on active duty; this includes National Guard and Reserve. The program provides extensive tools, education and support needed for a successful transition. Tools provided include: military-to-civilian skills crosswalk, financial planning, certification and licensing resources and information, federal and civilian job search techniques, resume writing and VA benefits information. Employment counselors are available by appointment to review resumes, practice interviewing, assist in marketing individual skills, and navigating social media and the job search.

• Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) The FFSC offers a trained Financial Counselor who will take you step-by-step through the Navy Standardized Curriculum process which involves setting up and effectively managing a basic financial plan. Workshops, counseling, and seminars on buying cars, renting or buying homes, and much more are offered. The PFMP offers one-on-one counseling to those experiencing money management difficulties, for those who wish to better understand how to budget their finances, or wish to plan for retirement.

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riage, and family counseling for active duty, their family members and retirees and their family members on a space available basis.

• Family Advocacy Program (FAP) FAP is designed to strengthen families by providing intervention, prevention, and treatment of child and spouse abuse and neglect. Licensed clinical counselors provide information and referral, case management services, and education in dealing with domestic violence issues.

• Family Advocacy Victim Advocate (FAP VA) The FAP VA offers support to adult victims of domestic violence and non-offending caretaker for child abuse cases. Services include but not limited to: restricted and unrestricted reporting options; safety assessment/ planning; legal and financial resource; providing victims and non-offending caregivers information on available benefits and services through both military and civilian community organizations.

• Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) SAIL is a voluntary case management program, provided by licensed clinical counselors, designed to provide support to active duty sailors during the critical 90-day period following a suicide crisis involving either suicidal ideations or attempts.

• Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program SAPR provides advocacy support and resources to assist victims of sexual assault through the healing process. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), the SAPR victim advocates, and the SAPR points of contact assist the commands in implementing and administering sexual assault awareness, preven-

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• Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) FERP gives spouses and family members an opportunity to gain employment skills through one-onone appointments and group workshops. Services include resume writing, job search, the application process, interview skills, and planning a career path.

Deployment Support/Readiness Programs

• Deployment Support The FFSC offers Deployment Support Programs for Individual Augmentee (IA), family members, and deploying detachments located in the Pax River area.

The goal is to enhance the Navy’s mission by assisting single and married service members and their families in successfully managing the unique challenges presented before, during, and after deployments.

• Relocation Assistance Program While moving is always stressful, your stress can be drastically reduced if you take full advantage of the information, education, and personal assistance provided to you by the Relocation Program. Some of the services provided are workshops and briefings, individual PCS planning, new spouse orientation, online resources such as Military Home Front and Plan My Move. If you have orders to Pax River, you will need a sponsor who can assist you with your needs. To request a Sponsor, visit the Pax River homepage listed below. To access instant information about NAS Pax River visit either of these websites: www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil, or www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent.

• Life Skills Education The FFSC provides solution-oriented programs to help gain knowledge to improve your personal skills. Seminars include topics such as Effective Communication, Couples Communication, Stress Management, Anger Management and Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Programs are offered at the FFSC and at command locations.

• Ombudsman Support The FFSC provides support and services to enhance the effectiveness of the Ombudsman Program within the local commands and their ombudsman. Services include coordinating Ombudsman Basic Training, assisting in coordination and implementation of the ombudsman advanced training and assembly meetings, providing program guidance and support to commands and ombudsman, and assisting families with referrals to their command ombudsman. A list of ombudsman is available on the NAS Pax River website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/ installations/nas_patuxent_river/about/contact-yourombudsman.html.

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• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) The FFSC provides information and referral services for families with an Exceptional Family Member (EFM), and assists families with the enrollment process. EFMP also links families with appropriate military and civilian support organizations, including the EFMP coordinators at the naval health clinic and the School Liaison Officer.

School Liaison

21993 Bundy Road, Building 2090 (Located in the Fleet & Family Support Center) 202-330-3093 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays The School Liaison (SL) broadens the services of the Navy’s Child-Youth Program. As the primary link between parents, educators, and command, the SL works to ensure smooth transitions between schools along with positive educational experiences. SLs can provide information and numerous resources to assist families with school transitions, deployments, special education navigation, the home-school process, and post-secondary preparation.

Human Resources Office

Total Force Management and Strategy Department hro.navair.navy.mil

The Total Force Management and Strategy Department administers human resources and equal employment opportunity programs for the civilian and military work force, which includes providing services in the area of employment, classification, labor and employee relations, employee benefits and services, manpower and human resource data analysis, employee development and education, and equal employment opportunity, complaint counseling/ resolution and the drug-free workplace program.

The Total Force Management and Strategy Department provides advice, assistance and services to executives, managers, supervisors and employees.

It also represents the human resource interests of NAVAIR headquarters, NAWCAD, NAS Pax River and the tenant community in dealings with the Office of Personnel Management, Department of Defense and Department of Navy.

Noise Hotline

NAVAIR Ranges Sustainability Office 866-819-9028 paxnoise@us.navy.mil Citizens may express their concerns regarding noise generated from NAS Patuxent River by contacting the station via telephone, email or mail.

A noise disturbance hotline was established to

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receive reports from the community. The hotline is typically staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

In the event no one is available to receive the call in person, callers are asked to leave their names, contact information and a description of the event, and a representative will return their call within one business day.

Send written inquiries to: NAVAIR Ranges Sustainability Office Attn: Noise Hotline Team 22473 Millstone Road Patuxent River MD 20670

Navy Exchange

22099 Cuddihy Road, Building 2369 Main Store: 301-342-0614/0606 Gas Station/ Quik Mart: 301-863-1258 Main Store Hours:

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and holidays The Navy Exchange retail store offers: • Clothing, shoes and accessories for the entire family • Uniform Shop • Electronics, Computers, Computer Software, Video Games • Home décor • Cosmetics and Designer Fragrances • Fine Jewelry, Watches and Sunglasses • Domestics • Housewares and Small Electrics • Wine and Spirits • Toys • Sporting Goods • Automotive

• Health and Beauty Aids • Hardware • Pet Supplies • Lawn and Garden Shop • Propane tank exchange The following services are offered at Customer Service: • Western Union • United Parcel Service • Special Orders • Check Cashing • Star Card Applications The Tailor Shop is located in the Uniform Shop and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

The Navy Exchange has a full-service Salon.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Make an appointment at 301-342-0612.

The Navy Exchange Barber Shop is located adjacent to the Salon; hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the Barber Shop, call 301-342-0611.

Navy Exchange Gas Station and Quik Mart Convenience

The Navy Exchange Gas Station and Quik Mart Convenience are located across from the Commissary. Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday. Pay at the pump 24/7 with a credit card.

Blue Rhino Propane tank exchange is also available. A fully automated soft-cloth car wash is adjacent to the Quik Mart.

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Food Service Outlets

Panda Express

Center Stage Theater Coffee Shop

Mulligan’s at Cedar Point Golf Course Building 2630 at the Cedar Point 301-342-3597 Golf Course Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

The following food service outlets are available at NAS Patuxent River:

22255 Cedar Point Road, Building 1495 301-342-3572 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunch served 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Center Stage theater hosts the “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks, offering coffee and muffins.

Hotdogs and chips are available during lunch hours.

Beer available for purchase during movie times only.

Subway 22105 Cedar Point Road, Building 421 301-866-9178 Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday

Seawings Café Building 2272 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays Pax Perks Coffee Operation (Building 2272) Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Weekdays

Wayback Burgers

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday

Greenberry Coffee

Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday

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Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri ** Currently closed on weekends

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 22187 Arnold Circle, Building 401 301-342-4739 or DSN 342-4739

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a non-profit organization with a primary mission to assist active-duty and retired service members, their family members and survivors with emergency financial assistance, education or other services in times of need.

NMCRS provides emergency financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans and/or grants for needs such as, but not limited to, transportation associated with emergency leave, basic living expenses for food, rent, utilities, essential vehicle repairs, and patient’s share of medical/dental bills, military pay problems and funeral expenses.

Quick Assist Loans (QAL) up to $500 are available to eligible service members during office hours on a walk-in basis. For eligibility requirement, visit www. nmcrs.org.

The Society also sponsors education loans and grants for children of active-duty and retired service members as well as spouses of active-duty service members who return to school full-time. NMCRS also conducts a Budget for Baby class each month in building 401, the Religious Program Services building.

Class participants, new parents and no-so-new par-

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Public Affairs Office

22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409 301-757-3343

The Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs Office is responsible for base-related internal information, media relations, community relations and review of station-generated non-technical material intended for public release.

The NAS public affairs officer is the official spokesperson for the air station. Pax River’s two major tenants, NAVAIR and NAWCAD, operate separate Public Affairs Offices. These tenant public affairs officers serve as the official spokespersons for NAVAIR and NAWCAD programs, facilities and activities.

Any type of presentations, speeches or contacts with off-station news media must first be coordinated through the NAS Public Affairs Office. NAVAIR and NAWCAD handle their security and policy review separately. NAS publishes its award-winning station newspaper, the Tester and this station guide.

Information about NAS Patuxent River can be found at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent or www.facebook.com/ NASPaxRiver.

Pax Press Magazine

22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409 301-757-3343

The air station’s magazine staff is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The station’s magazine, Pax Press is published and distributed to locations around the installation and to some off-base areas on the 15th of every month. Submissions for the Pax Press` must be received by public affairs staff no later than 4:30 p.m. on the first of the month of the desired publishing month. Submissions can be made by emailing patrick.a.gordon10.civ@us.navy.mil. Please note, publication of any submission is based on space-available

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basis and is subject to editing by the public affairs staff.

Classifieds and business ads are available. Both types of ads may be placed at the publisher’s office by calling 301-848-0175.

Public Safety (Security, law enforcement, fire, emergency management and safety)

Emergency Management: 342-6325 Security/law enforcement: 757-4669, 9951941

Public Safety provides advice, guidance and assistance in all aspects of physical security, law enforcement, and safety and fire services. Public Safety also is responsible for protecting life and property, preventing crime, unlawful entry, covert acts and enforcing laws, instructions, rules and regulations.

Public Safety administers the physical security, law enforcement, fire and rescue/disaster preparedness program; formulates and enforces command security procedures; exercises control over visitors to the complex; investigates crimes and evaluates investigative data; provides fire protection and fire-rescue services; maintains liaison with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; conducts a comprehensive occupational safety and health program (see Safety Department below).

Safety Department 22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409, Room 109 301-757-9001 The mission of the NAS Patuxent River Safety Department is to implement the Safety and Occupational Health program for all activities within the fence lines of NAS Pax River, Navy Recreation Center Solomons and Webster Outlying Field.

The Safety Department provides a comprehensive safety program consisting of, at a minimum, annual facility inspections of all occupational areas, mishap investigations, hazard analysis and identification, safety training on a variety of topics, and holiday and seasonal awareness campaigns. The Safety Department also manages all programs outlined within the OPNAVINST 5100.23 series.

The Safety Department uses an effective, proactive approach of working with supervisors to determine and implement solutions for immediate and long-term solutions to safety related concerns. This partnership between the Safety Department and the activities it serves is reflected in the effectiveness of the overall Safety Program at NAS Pax River.

Public Works Department (202) 436-1027

Public Works is part of the Naval Facilities organization, also known as NAVFAC, and is

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ents, receive information regarding financial planning and budgeting pertaining to families with children. At the conclusion of the class, each family in attendance receives a “Junior Seabag” filled with baby items to welcome their newborn as a gift from the Society valued at more than $100. This program is open to all Sailors and Marines regardless of rank.

The NMCRS office is staffed primarily by trained volunteers, and is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday by appointment. Call for more information, to make an appointment or to inquire about volunteering.

NMCRS After Hours: Service members with emergency leave situations or other emergencies that cannot wait until the next business day can receive assistance from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society through the After Hours Assistance Program. For after-hours emergency leave assistance, for the service member or the spouse, call the naval air station’s command duty office at 301342-1095 and request NMCRS assistance.

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responsible for the management, acquisition, maintenance and repair of facilities, facility systems, pavements, utilities and vehicles. Public Works (PW) also provides the design, construction, repair, alteration and demolition of facilities and infrastructure. PW provides installation support services, including planning, budgeting, engineering, base operating services that includes grounds maintenance, janitorial, transportation, refuse collection, ceremony support and pest control.

PW also includes an environmental department that provides services in three broad areas: compliance, conservation and pollution prevention. Compliance programs focus on regulatory compliance review and tracking for things such as clean air, clean water, hazardous materials and hazardous waste handling, proper environmental planning and cleanup of former waste disposal sites. Pollution prevention programs include recycling and solid waste management, as well as oil spill prevention and control. Conservation programs include both natural and cultural resources management; featuring archaeology, historic architecture and preservation planning on the cultural side, and fish and wildlife management, forestry, land management, and outdoor recreation on the natural resources side. Natural resources employees provide nuisance wildlife response services. A successful installation restoration program and community Restoration Advisory Board keeps the public aware of all restoration activities at NAS Pax River.

Environmental Department 301-370-7150

Located within the Public Works Department, the station’s environmental office provides comprehensive services in three broad areas: compliance, environmental planning, and conservation.

Compliance programs focus on regulatory compliance review and tracking for things such as clean air, clean water, hazardous materials and hazard-

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ous waste handling, proper environmental planning and cleanup of former waste disposal sites.

Environmental planning staff reviews all proposed projects and considers alternatives in an attempt to minimize environmental impact, preparing Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements as necessary.

Conservation programs include both natural and cultural resources management; featuring archaeology, historic architecture and preservation planning on the cultural side, and fish and wildlife management, forestry, land management, and outdoor recreation on the natural resources side.

Natural resources employees oversee outdoor recreational programs including fishing, crabbing, shellfishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, firewood cutting and nature study. Information about the hunting and fishing programs can be found at https://naspaxriver.recaccess.com Base permits required for these activities can be purchased at this site.

Known for its award-winning community service and environmental stewardship programs, the department is responsible for environmental education programs on station and contributes to many activities within the neighboring communities. The station operates an Environmental Education Center, located in Building 1410, at the intersection of Johnson and Cedar Point Roads.

Multiple partnerships with private sector and government agencies have been successful in advancing environmental compliance and education. A successful environmental restoration program and community Restoration Advisory Board keeps the public aware of all restoration activities at Pax River.

Religious Programs

22187 West Arnold Circle, Building 401 301-342-3811 • Catholic Rosary Prayer Group: 11:35 a.m. weekdays in the Chapel

• Protestant service: Call for hours

• Chaplain Hours:

8:30-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. weekdays The NAS Patuxent River St. Nicholas Chapel is located off Cedar Point Road less than one mile from Gate 2. The Religious Programming Center sits adjacent to the Chapel. The Religious Program Center houses the Command Chaplain’s and RP’s offices, as well as a religious library, Muslim prayer room, meeting facilities and multiuse classrooms.

The RPC also offers prayer breakfasts, family pro-

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grams and various other fellowship opportunities.

Call for more information concerning counseling, current programing, volunteer opportunities or for registration in any of the command religious programs.

Programs and services are open to all military, family members and DOD civilians.

(2) Attorney Appointments provided by the Naval Capital Region (NCR) Legal Assistance Office* Attorney appointments are available to discuss Wills/Estate Planning, Family Law, Divorce, Landlord/Tenant Law, Consumer Finance, Child Custody & Support, Non-support, Advanced Medical Directives, Immigration Law, and Foreclosure. *An appointment is required. Eligible clients must call the NCR Legal Assistance Office at (202) 685-5569, and press option 1 to schedule.

Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington

(3) Outreach Services* Legal Readiness Briefs, POA or Will Workshops, and other Deploying Unit Support. *Commands may call the NCR Legal Assistance Office at (202) 685-5569 to schedule.

Command Services 301-342-1934

*Eligibility for services is limited to the following: Active duty service members; dependents; retirees; reservists on orders for 30 days or more (eligibility continues for 2 times the length served).

Reservists must bring in a copy of their orders.

Branch Office Patuxent River 22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409, Room 219

The Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides direct legal advice and support to the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station and Tenant Commands on matters including, but not limited to, military justice, ethics, standards of conduct, international law, civil affairs (except Government contracts), administrative law, litigation, legal assistance, environmental law and investigations. The SJA administers the military justice system on the installation and maintains liaison with local law enforcement agencies.

Legal Assistance Services Bldg 409, Room 219 (301) 342-7510

8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Mondays

(1) Walk-in Services at NAS Patuxent River Powers of Attorney & Notary services can be obtained without an appointment. To expedite the POA process, clients should pre-draft their SPOA’s on http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/SPOA.

Supply

301-342-1800

Supply provides logistics support to all activities aboard the NAS Pax River complex, including its Webster Field Annex. From nuts and bolts and navigational charts to advanced avionics units or repair parts for organizational and intermediate maintenance efforts, the department has access to the millions of lines of inventory throughout the Department of Defense supply system. Supply operates divisions for fuels, stock control, quality assurance, IT systems, household goods and aviation support along with a material division for receiving, storage, warehousing and shipment of government assets.

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htm. Clients may pre-draft all SPOA’s except: Real estate transactions. Real estate POA’s drafted through the legal office must be briefed by a legal assistance attorney. On the notary block, if you wish to have it notarized on our next notary day, you should select Region Legal Service Office Naval District Washington for the notary.

Alternatively, you may take the self-drafted SPOA to Navy Federal if you are a member, and the bank will notarize the document free of charge. Leave the date block blank. Please do not sign the POA until you are in front of a notary!

Recreation & Leisure Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) MWR activities: 301-342-3648 MWR fitness and sports: 301-757-3943 www.NavyMWRPaxRiver.com

MWR provides recreation-based programs and facilities for residents and employees at Naval Air Station Pax River. These services form a web of activities which include athletics, child development, dining and entertainment. MWR provides information about upcoming events on its website, on social media, on signboards, its weekly eNews, and its quarterly quality-of-life guide “The Lookout.. Aboard station visit www.cnic.navy.mil/patuxent then click on Fleet and Family Readiness for facility descriptions, hours of operation, upcoming events and more. The best way to learn about MWR events is to logon on to www.navymwrpaxriver.com or www.facebook.com/mwrpaxriver.

Auto Skills Center 47476 Keane Road, Building 1586 301-342-3507

MWR’s Auto Skills Center, located off of Buse Rd next to the Energy Zone, is a leisure-time facility ideal for the automotive enthusiast. The center features car lifts and stalls, auto and utility trailer storage, tool rentals and welding equipment. All active-duty and retired military, reserves, their family members, and Department of Defense employees are eligible to use this facility.

Aquatics Programs 301-757-3943

The Sports and Fitness Office located in the Drill Hall will assist in scheduling any number of water activities including swimming lessons, swim clinics, home school swim, life-guarding and water safety courses. Aquaaerobics classes are also offered.

Swimming Pools

The station boasts a 50-meter, eight-lane Olympicsize outdoor pool and an indoor pool in the Drill Hall.

The outdoor pool is located near Gate 1 and is open for fitness and recreation swimming during the summer months. The 25-yard indoor pool is located in the Drill Hall and is available for fitness and recreational swimming year round.. MWR sponsors swimming lessons, aqua-aerobics and fitness programs such as triathlons as part of its aquatics program. The outdoor pool may be rented for parties and other functions. Active-duty and retired military, reserves, their family members and DOD civilians are eligible to use MWR pools.

Beach House

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301-342-3648 MWR’s Beach House is located on the shores of the Patuxent River. The facility may be rented year-round for picnics, receptions and command functions. The Beach House boasts a complete kitchen and spacious serving area. A large covered pavilion, beach overlook deck, picnic tables, grills, a softball field and volleyball court are located on the Beach House grounds. All active-duty and retired military, reserves, their family members, and DOD civilians are eligible to rent this facility. Reservations may be made through the Community Rec Office.

Camping 301-342-3573 | After hours: 877-628-9233

Hogs Point and Paradise Grove campsites can be reserved at recreation.gov. Goose Creek campsite can b reserved by calling the West Basin Marina at 310-342-3573, online at dodlodging.net, or by calling 1-877-NAVYBED Pax River features campsites at the following locations: Goose Creek, Paradise Grove and Hogs Point.

From primitive locations to those with water and electrical hookups, there is no better way to get closer to the natural beauty of the region. Camping gear may be rented at Gear Issue located inside the Community Rec. All active-duty and retired military, Reservists, their family members, and DOD civilians are eligible to rent campsites.

Commercial Sponsorship & Paid Advertising 301-342-3635

Commercial sponsorship provides the opportunity for businesses and corporations to generate publicity by sponsoring one of MWR’s special events. This assistance generally takes the form of a financial contribution or merchandise.The partnership between MWR and sponsors from the community helps MWR continue to provide station residents and employees with a wide variety of fun, recreation-based activities. MWR has several advertising options available to help businesses reach the local military community. Contact the MWR Marketing & Sponsorship Director at 301-342-3635 or NASPAX_N9_Marketing@ us.navy.mil for more information.

Cedar Point Beach

Cedar Point Beach cozies up to the Chesapeake Bay with a stretch of sand ideal for sun bathing, picnicking and just enjoying the view. The beach is not lifeguard staffed. The large pavilion requires a reservation. Activeduty and retired military, reserves, DOD civilians, family

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members and contractors are eligible to use the beach.

Cedar Point Golf Course 23248 Cedar Point Road, Building 2630 301-342-3597 The Cedar Point Golf Course is laid out along the Chesapeake Bay and its estuaries for a truly scenic golfing experience. The 18-hole U.S.G.A sanctioned “links” style golf course features fast, undulating greens with water hazards coming into play on several holes.

The facility is staffed with PGA professionals and offers a full season of casual and tournament play. Private and group instruction is available for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Practice facilities include a grass driving range, pitching, chipping and putting greens. Other amenities include a clubhouse lounge, bar, snack bar and a fully stocked Golf Shop as well as rental equipment. Active-duty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians, family members, guests and contractors are eligible to use this MWR facility.

Center Stage Theater 22255 Cedar Point Road, Building 1495 301-342-3572 The Center Stage Theater brings the magic of cinema to life at Pax River. The theater boasts digital/3D cinema with ample seating and state-of-the-art conference facilities.The theater is also ideal for children’s birthday parties. The Center Stage Theater is open to active-duty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians, contractors and family members. Call (301) 342-5033 for movie schedule and play times. The Center Stage Theater also hosts a Coffee Shop open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

MWR Employment Services 47402 Buse Road, Building 467 301-757-9061 All MWR and Fleet and Family Readiness Programs jobs are now posted online. This site is accessible to all at www.usajobs.gov; search keyword “NDW.” All applications and forms can be completed on line and sent via email address for each announcement or maybe downloaded from the web site and mailed to the following address: Fleet and Family Readiness Programs ATTN: Human Resource Office 47402 Buse Road, Building 467, Suite A Patuxent River MD 20670

Energy Zone 47476 Keane Road, Buildling 1586 301-995-3869/757-3943 The Energy Zone, located behind the Drill Hall, features three exercise studios, mirrors and changing rooms. The center hosts group exercise classes to include Spinning™, Body Pump™, Zumba®, and much more! Also featured are specialty classes like Yoga, Pilates and dance classes. Group exercise passes and specialty class registration can be purchased in the Fitness & Sports Office, located in the Drill Hall. All active-duty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians, family members and contractors are eligible to use this facility.

Drill Hall (sports, fitness and recreation center)

47382 Keane Road, Building 458 301-342-3519/757-3943 The Drill Hall is the center of indoor recreation and athletics at the naval air station. Located on Cedar Point Road, the Drill Hall features fitness rooms, sporting activities and a wide range of information about recreational opportunities. The Drill Hall is open to all active-duty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians and their family members. Contractors may purchase a Fitness and Sports membership to use the facility.

Drill Hall Activities Strike Zone Bowling Center 301-342-3994 The Bowling Center is a remodeled, modern entertainment complex featuring 12 lanes, Café 300 (a fully

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stocked snack bar), 13th Alley (party area), league play, tournaments and other special promotions. Cosmic Bowling is a popular feature at the center.

Fitness and Cardiovascular Centers MWR’s fitness centers feature a variety of cardiovascular machines, two complete strength circuits, and certified fitness specialists. The Free Weight room features plates, bars and specialized equipment for weightlifters at the station. The free weight room is located Drill Hall, downstairs.

Indoor Pool The Drill Hall’s lifeguard-staffed, six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool is available for fitness and recreational swimming year round. Indoor aquatics programs can be registered for at the Fitness and Sports Office.

Gear Issue 301-342-3468 At Gear Issue, eligible patrons can take advantage of a towel service, and equipment for check-out, to include basketballs, volleyballs, racquets, etc. Sports drinks are also available for purchase.

Racquetball, Basketball and Volleyball Courts The facility houses two regulation-sized racquetball courts, three basketball courts, one full-sized NCAA regulation basketball court and one full-sized regulation volleyball court.

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Fitness and Sports Office 301-757-3943 The Fitness and Sports Office offers information on Civilian Recreation Association memberships, the Energy Zone, the intramural sports program and upcoming athletic events. Intramural sports are open to all active-duty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians and their family members. Contractors may purchase a Fitness and Sports membership to participate in NAS Pax River’s Intramural Sports.

Garden Plots 301-342-3648

MWR manages garden plots for residents and employees who enjoy fresh summer produce. Registration for these plots is held in March of every year. Register through the Community Recreation. The plots feature water outlets for irrigation during dry spells. Rototillers may be rented at the Auto Skills Center. For information on the tillers and availability, call 301-342-3507.

Community Recreation Office

47384 Keane Road, Building 2655 301-342-3648 The Community Recreation Office, in front of the Drill Hall on Cedar Point Road, discounts tickets to theme parks, amusement centers, museums and attractions throughout the country. The office also sells tickets to

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Located in Unaccompanied Housing Barracks 301-342-3648

The Liberty Program sponsors free and reducedprice recreational programs and trips for single or unaccompanied active-duty E1-E6 service members. The purpose of the Liberty program is to provide station

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service members with improved quality of life by offering a variety of recreation-based activities, both on and off station. Typical Liberty programs have included trips to Washington, D.C, skiing and snowboarding, amusement parks, paintball, camping, white water rafting, barracks barbecues, poker tournaments, holiday themed events, movie and munchie nights, bowling nights and more.

Picnic Areas 301-342-3648

The station boasts a large number of picnic and party sites ideal for enjoying the great outdoors with friends, family and co-workers. Many sites overlook the

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sporting events, concerts and theatrical productions, and also offers information about facility rental, theater rental, table and chair rental, garden plot reservations and upcoming MWR events.

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Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River and feature grills and picnic tables.

Pax Sail’s website is www.navypaxsail.com and offers more information on obtaining your sailing certifications.

Private Organizations and Special Interest Groups

Navy Recreation Center Solomons

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MWR provides points of contact for a number of private clubs at the station. These clubs include golf associations, skeet club, velo club, sailing club, triathlon club, rod and gun club, and many more organizations.

Rassieur Youth Center/Teen Center 46870 Tate Road, Building 2815 301-342-1694

The Rassieur Youth Center, named after Pax River’s first commanding officer and sponsors the School Age Care program, which provides care for children before and after the school day. The Youth Center is also a 4H and a Boys and Girls Clubs of America affiliate, and is also home to the Teen Center, a free program for middle and high school students ages 12-18..

Solomons Day Camps 301-342-1694/4800

Mattapany Day Camp is one of the most highly anticipated summer programs on station. The popular day camp offers children ages five, who have completed kindergarten, through 12 years structured care in an outdoor setting. Campers enjoy arts and crafts, nature walks, swimming activities, day trips and other special events.

Registration is held in the Spring. Due to the popularity of camp, children enrolled in the School Age Care program during the school year have priority to camp registration during the first days of registration. Any unfilled spots are then available to active-duty military, DOD civilians and contractors.

Rental Equipment 301-342-3648

MWR rents a variety of equipment to station residents and employees. Equipment includes a moon bounce, dunking booth, giant barbecue grill, campers, rototillers, car dollies, tables and chairs.

West Basin Marina

46970 Bauhof Road, Building 1599 301-342-3573 The West Basin Marina, located at the end of Tate Road features sailing information, dry storage, launching ramp and more than 100 slips with water and electrical hook-ups. Sailboat rental and Sailing lessons are available at the marina through the sailing club. Activeduty and retired military, Reservists, DOD civilians and family members are eligible to use the marina. Navy

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The Navy Recreation Center (NRC) at Solomons provides patrons with much more than accommodations. NRC offers a full range of leisure and fun activities for the entire family. In season, patrons may find plenty to do everyday including:

The Riverside Aquatics Complex

Maintains four swimming pools to suit any member of the family from toddlers to retirees, two water powered slides and swimming lessons which are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers.

Community Recreation Adventure Zone Adventure Zone features an arcade and gear issue.

The center also hosts a variety of special events which include contests, tournaments, outdoor movie nights, outdoor concerts and many other youth-related activities. Workshops include arts and crafts, painting and other creative ideas. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are located throughout the facility. NRC also offers patrons a miniature golf course and driving range.

Adventure Zone also includes NRC Solomons’ Camp Store and Point Patience Marina satellite office.

The Point Patience Marina

Offers annual, seasonal and transient wet berthing options for vessels up to 45’ as well as annual contracts for unsecured storage. Free boat ramp launch area.

Year round support provided by the Administration team at building 6147,

Riverside Beach

Offers 400 feet of shoreline, sandy beaches and a designated swimming area plus beach. Boat rentals, Picnic sites, outdoor pavilions and ball fields are also available.

Temporary accommodations are available at the Navy Recreation Center. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 1-877-NAVYBED. Lodging facilities include 14 cottages, 21 bungalows, 10 log cabins and four cozy cabins. There are 370 campsites with 141 sites being full hookups; 158 sites with electricity and water; 56 primitive sites; and 15 group sites,three camping cabins. There is a 10-day maximum in-season stay, monthly off-season (lodging); camping cabins and yurts are available monthly and year-round. NRC Solomons is a year-round operation, and Rec Lodging offers both transient/vacation and long term rental options.

Our Rich Heritage

“A great responsibility is put into your hands, for growth and change is still the very life of any air service which hopes to survive. I look to Patuxent River to carry a large part of the burden of ensuring that quality, imagination and resourcefulness are all included in our future equipment and in its typical use. You have the chance to make a great reputation...”

Rear Adm. John S. McCain, Commissioning Day, April 1, 1943 Naval Aviation’s Early Years

Since the Navy and Marine Corps began flying aircraft in 1911 and 1912, there have never been as many aviation functions at one facility as there are now at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

History shows that the size and location of naval aeronautics infrastructure has always been a function of technological development and defense requirements.

For as long as the Navy and Marine Corps have flown aircraft, some organization has been charged with developing, procuring and maintain-

ing the platforms.

During the first 10 years of naval flight (1911-1921), responsibility was split among several Navy bureaus: the Bureau of Construction and Repair for airframes; the Bureau of Steam Engineering for engines; the Bureau of Navigation for instruments; and the Bureau of Ordnance for air-launched weapons.

Navy offices in the Washington, D.C., area were located at the Washington Navy Yard in Anacostia and in the Army-Navy State Building, which is now the Old Executive Office Building on Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Naval aviation was a small-time affair and required only small quarters. Each bureau devoted scarcely more than one desk to aviation, and for some officers, aviation was collateral duty.

Naval aeronautics remained a small operation until April 1917 when the United States declared war on Germany.

During the next 19 months the requirements of war and the vast defense expenditures swelled the Navy’s aircraft inventory from 54 to 2,107. Many air stations were established, most of them capable of at least some level of maintenance.

In Washington, D.C., Congress appropriated money for a temporary building to house the Navy Department offices that were rapidly expanding beyond the capacity of the crowded Army-Navy State Building. The new structure was built on the south side of Constitution Avenue west of 17th Street and was known simply as the ‘Main Navy Building.’

In Pennsylvania, on the property of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Navy built a facility dedicated to the design and construction of aircraft, the ‘Naval Aircraft Factory.’ The first aircraft built there made its first flight in March 1918.

When the war ended, defense spending declined to its pre-war levels, but the temporary building on Constitution Avenue gained permanence. Naval aeronautics had demonstrated enough value in war to gain its own mantle of dignity and was so recognized by Congress in 1921 with the establishment of the Bureau of Aeronautics or BuAer. BuAer took control of all aspects of Navy and Marine Corps aviation research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, maintenance, and supply. The only item remaining outside BuAer’s cognizance was airlaunched weaponry which stayed in the hands of the Bureau of Ordnance.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Naval Aircraft Factory was the central element of BuAer. Bureau headquarters was in the Main Navy Building in Washington, D.C., but naval aeronautics began at the aircraft factory in Philadelphia. It conducted all elements of research and development, engineering, and what today would be called depot-level maintenance. It also compiled cost accounting data to compare with industry bids. It had the capacity to actually build a third of the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ peacetime aircraft requirements, but in fact never exercised more than a small fraction of its construction capacity.

Rear Adm. William Moffett, chief of BuAer from 1921 to 1933, believed he had a responsibility to maintain a healthy aviation industry in the United States and accordingly opposed large production runs at the factory. This decision was understandably hailed by the

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aviation industry.

In addition to the work done at the factory, aircraft test and evaluation was conducted at Naval Air Station Anacostia, now known as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C., air-launched weapons were tested by the Bureau of Ordnance at Dahlgren, Va. While money was scarce in the years between the wars, BuAer achieved some major technological advancements. Examples include the air-cooled engine, the monoplane, the all-metal monoqoque airframe, improved catapults for carriers, oil shock absorbers, low pressure tires, metal propellers of variable pitch and the dive bomber, all adapted to the unique nature of naval aviation.

The expansion of the armed forces during World War II brought major changes to naval aviation’s infrastructure. The test and evaluation facilities at NAS Anacostia quickly became inadequate due to the growing complexity, size and number of aircraft, in addition to the area’s swelling population. A new location became essential. It was to be in the general Washington, D.C., area, but large enough and sufficiently isolated to allow for exhaustive aircraft test and evaluation.

A site at Cedar Point, Maryland, was identified, and on April 1, 1943, it was commissioned as Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

The Pax River Story: Station Built to Centralize Facilities

Naval Air Station Patuxent River was built to centralize widely dispersed air testing facilities established during the pre-World War II years. Spurred by events of World War II, the consolidation effort was swift and the farms at Cedar Point, Maryland, were replaced by flight test operations within a year after ground was broken in 1942.

During the commissioning ceremony April 1, 1943, Rear Adm. John S. McCain, then chief of the Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics, proclaimed to the world that none of the Navy’s air stations were of such “far reaching importance as Naval Air Station Patuxent River.”

By mid-August 1943, flight test, radio test, aircraft armament and the aircraft experimental and development squadrons were in place at Pax River. By the end of 1944, the station had formed the service test, electronics test, flight test and tactical test divisions.

Test and Support Functions Divided

The Naval Air Test Center was established as a separate entity on June 16, 1945, organizationally dividing the test and support functions.

During World War II, hundreds of combat experienced pilots arrived at Pax River to test airplanes. The evolution of the Navy test pilot began with rainy day

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discussions between seasoned veterans and aeronautical engineers. Formalized classroom instruction began in March 1948 with the establishment of a Test Pilot Training Division.

The test pilots not only flew the proliferation of U.S. airplanes built for the war effort, but were given opportunities to examine enemy aircraft as well. Captured airplanes such as a German Focke-Wulf 190 and Doring DO 335A as well as a Japanese Kate and Tony were test-flown with findings on their vulnerabilities passed on to fleet pilots.

A History Studded With Milestones

Radar fire control, radar tracking, airfield lighting and instrument landing techniques were developed and refined at NAS Patuxent River. The first U.S. all jet-powered airplane, the XP-59A, was flight tested here in 1944.

The FR-1 Fireball, a carrier-based fighter which combined a conventional engine and a General Electric jet engine, and the FD-1 Phantom, the first Navy all-jet airplane to operate from a carrier, were tested at Pax River in 1945-1946.

The first U.S. test of the adaptability of jet aircraft to shipboard operations was conducted by the Naval Air Test Center in 1946 when Lt. Cmdr. James Davidson flew a Phantom aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Test pilots were exposed to ejection seats in 1949, barrier engagements in 1951 and a simulated angled deck aboard USS Midway in 1952.

’50s-’60s See Test Programs Expand

The Korean War, from 1950 to 1953, intensified efforts at Pax River. The air station was faced with developing jet aircraft and at the same time improving existing conventional weapons for the war effort. The challenge grew as jet aircraft routinely eclipsed the speed of sound and airplane cannons were supplemented with guided missiles.

Several airborne early warning squadrons operated from Pax River in the 1950s. Among them were Warning Squadron (VW) 2, Warning Squadron (VW) 11 and Warning Squadron (VW) 15. The squadrons patrolled the Atlantic Ocean along the DEW (Distant Early Warning) line until their disestablishment in the 1960s.

NATC’s increased responsibility for development as well as pure testing was acknowledged as early as 1951. Rapidly advancing technology forced changes in test techniques and in the organizational structure.

In 1953, the Tactical Test Division was merged with the Service Test Division. The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School was established in June 1958. The Weapons Systems Test Division was established in 1960 through the consolidation of the Armament Test and Electronics

Test divisions. This nation’s great space adventure started with the selection of the original seven astronauts in 1959. Four of the seven were USNTPS graduates. In 1961, former Navy test pilot Alan Shepard became the first American in space. A year later, three test pilots from Pax River became the first Americans to orbit the earth.

Hostilities in Southeast Asia in the 1960s brought a sense of urgency to test programs at Pax River, particularly those dealing with ordnance. The unorthodox nature of the action in Vietnam turned the focus at Pax River from technological advancements to further refinement of more conventional weapons.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Buildup

At the same time, a buildup of fleet antisubmarine warfare squadrons was taking place at Pax. River Patrol Squadrons 8, 24, 44, 49 and 56 formed Fleet Air Patuxent and later Fleet Air Wing Five. A detachment from VP-30 was formed at Pax River in 1962; when the detachment was disestablished in 1966, VP-30 was relocated to the air station from Jacksonville, Fla. Oceanographic Development Squadron Eight, then known as the Oceanographic Air Survey Unit, was homeported here in 1965, and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Four was established here in 1968 from a Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) detachment left behind by Naval Air Transport Squadron One when that unit moved to Norfolk, Virginia.

Three divisions of the test center, Flight Test, Service Test and Weapons Systems Test, gave up assets to enable the Technical Support Division to form in 1967.

Automation of NATC’s data processing brought the Computer Services Division on line in 1968.

In the 1970s the ASW squadrons began leaving Pax River for NAS Brunswick, Maine, and NAS

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Jacksonville, Fla. VP-30 was the last to go in 1975.

To offset the squadron departures, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One moved here from Key West, Florida, in 1973 and the Naval Aviation Logistics Center was formed in 1977.

Principal Testing Site Built

A sweeping reorganization took place in 1975, preparing NATC for its role as the Naval Air Systems Command’s principal site for development testing.

Under the plan, Flight Test, Service Test and Weapons Systems Test divisions were disestablished and new directorates were formed to evaluate aircraft by type and mission.

The new NATC was comprised of Strike Aircraft, Antisubmarine Aircraft, Rotary Wing Aircraft and Systems Engineering test directorates. The Computer Services and Technical Support directorates and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School remained intact.

Reliability and maintainability became the watchwords in the acquisition process and NATC adopted a reliability-by-design philosophy. Computers were having a profound effect on airplanes and their systems, and testing by simulation as well as by flight was becoming an economic necessity.

A major upgrading of test facilities began in the late 1970s with some of the largest construction appropriations in the history of the base. Reflecting changes spurred by this technological growth, the 1980s saw the Computer Services Directorate become the Computer Sciences Directorate, the Technical Support Directorate become the Range Directorate and the Antisubmarine Aircraft Test Directorate become the Force Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate.

Navy Realignment Brings NAWCAD

In 1991, the Navy began consolidating its technical capabilities to improve its products and services, resulting in the creation of four large warfare centers.

One of these, the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), located in Washington, D.C., has integrated sites and capabilities to improve services to the fleet and sponsors. NAWC streamlined its resources into two divisions: the Aircraft Division located at Pax River and the Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif.

The standup of the NAWC Aircraft Division at Pax River took place Jan. 1, 1992; thus beginning its role as the Navy’s full spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support center for air platforms. NAWCAD integrated the Naval Air Test Center along with the Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, Pa.; Naval Air Engineering Center, Lakehurst, N.J.; Naval Air Propulsion Center, Trenton, N.J.; and the Naval

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Avionics Center, Indianapolis. Relocated employees from NAWCAD sites at Warminster, Pa., and Trenton, N.J., and the old NAVAIR Headquarters in Crystal City, Va., now call NAS Patuxent River home.

Growth Continues

Pax River continues to evolve to meet the needs of its employees and mission requirements for today and the future with millions of dollars invested in construction and improvements around the air station.

Major plant improvements have been made and new state-of-the-art laboratories have been added during the last two decades. Such new additions as the Manned Flight Simulator, the Aircraft Anechoic Test Facility, the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility, the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Facility, the Capt. Steven A. Hazelrigg Flight Test Facility, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School academic building, an Aviation Survival Training Center pool facility and a new Air Traffic Control Tower have significantly improved aviation safety and enhanced simulation capabilities.

A $15 million renovation for Hangar 110, one of the most recognizable structures at the base, was completed in 2013 which extends the life and serviceability this historic facility.

Also in 2013, a newly constructed $13.1 million Child Development Center (CDC) opened its doors. At 38,000-square-foot, this CDC is one of the largest in the Navy and increases the support of the military and civilian workforce at the air station by offering the space to care for more children on base.

Looking to the increased reliance on unmanned aircraft, construction of a new facility to support the Triton program – the first of its kind – was completed July 2013.

In 2018, NAS Patuxent River celebrated its 75th anniversary. In those 75 years, Pax River has maintained a reputation as a center for aviation excellence and contributing member of the Southern Maryland community. The installation looks forward to many more years of service to the community, the Department of Defense, and the country as a whole.

In the coming years, the air station’s airfield, known as Trapnell Field, will undergo a multi-million dollar facelift to rehabilitate runway pavements as well as support infrastructure and facilities. Additionally, the project will repair the airfield’s electrical infrastructure.

Also on the horizon is a $40 million construction project for a 110,000-square-foot, multi-story facility to house unaccompanied junior enlisted service members.

This modern, market-style apartment complex will boast modules comprising sleeping and living areas, a kitchen, bathrooms, closets and in-module laundry facilities.

A Site Rich in History The station location is closely associated with the early history of Maryland. The first settlers in the original Maryland colony landed at the mouth of the St. Mary’s River in 1634 and established the settlement of St. Mary’s City about seven miles from the station’s Gate 2.

Before the Navy came, there was a small community called Pearson near taxiway Alpha and Cedar Point Road. Pearson consisted of a few residences, a post office, a store, an automobile dealer (Bell Motor Company) and Cedar Point Methodist Church.

The major farms in the area belonged to the Johnson, Young and Weschler families. These three farms included three 17th century plantations known as Eltonhead Manor (1648), Susquehanna (1649) and Mattapany-Sewall (1663).

The Johnson farm consisted of nearly 500 acres of prime farmland located along the Chesapeake Bay at Cedar Point. The Johnson farmhouse, an early 19th century dwelling that had replaced an earlier Johnson home destroyed by the British during the War of 1812, was located near where the Cedar Point Golf Course clubhouse now stands.

The Young farm, an 800-acre tract, was located along the Patuxent River at Fishing Point. Prominently placed there was Susquehanna, home of Christopher Rousby, King Charles II’s collector of customs.

The fate of Susquehanna was sealed by its owner, Samuel Davis Young, in 1942 after the death of his wife, a descendant of the Rousby and Carroll family of St. Mary’s County. Honoring his wife’s memory, Young gave the house to the Ford Foundation. Susquehanna was dismantled and moved to Dearborn, Mich., where it was restored and displayed in Greenfield Village as an example of tidewater Maryland architecture.

The Weschler farm was a 1,000-acre tract stretch-

ing from the Patuxent River to Route 235 and included almost all of the land formerly comprising the 17th century Mattapany-Sewall manor. Weschler was in the process of restoring Mattapany when the Navy came to Southern Maryland. Part of Weschler’s agreement to sell was for the Navy to assume his restoration work and preserve Mattapany.

Mattapany

The property on which the air station is located is the site of the famous Mattapany estate. This elegantly constructed mansion is located on the northern boundary of the air station with an expansive lawn rolling to the shores of the Patuxent River junction of the Chesapeake Bay. From the main road, the large white house appears distant because of the long lane approaching the main entrance. Shading its many windows are great trees, including tulip poplars, oaks, black walnuts, magnolias and boxwoods, many of which date to the original old manor house.

Like all mansions built in that period, it has an unhurried air. Perhaps it is because the finely proportioned rooms entered through arches lined with wood paneling, revealing the thickness of the walls of at least 18 inches, give a sense of seclusion to the remoteness from the rest of the world.

This famous country estate took its name from the Algonquian Indian word, “Mattapany” which means, “the meeting of waters,” or “where the path meets the waters.”

The present Mattapany estate is on the site of a Jesuit mission erected soon after the settlement of St. Mary’s City. The land for the mission was a gift to Father Andrew White and the Jesuits from the Patuxent Indians. The mission property was subsequently confiscated by Lord Baltimore because the patents from the land had not come from him. In 1663 Henry Sewall, Secretary of the Maryland Province, was granted the land.

In 1666, following the death of Henry Sewall, Charles Calvert, third Lord Baltimore, married Sewall’s widow and soon thereafter built a brick home on a point overlooking the Patuxent River, which was about 250 yards southeast of the present home.

Calvert’s house was apparently fortified, for in 1682 the provincial council passed an act establishing a guard at Mattapany for the defense of the Right Honorable Lord Proprietary, and with him the magazine and military stores there.

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Mattapany protected more than the Calverts. During the Protestant Revolution, the deputies were driven from the capital at St. Mary’s City and took refuge there. It was at Mattapany Aug. 1, 1689, that the formal articles of surrender were signed and the province thereby turned over to the revolutionists.

No records have been located giving the exact date that the present Mattapany was built. Best available records indicate that the older part was constructed about 1740 using bricks from Lord Baltimore’s house and the two parlors added about 1850, as was the storm porch. From 1840 until 1932, the Thomas family lived here. George Weschler then acquired Mattapany and was in the process of restoring the house in 1942, when the Navy purchased it for the U.S. government as part of the site for the naval air station. Upon commissioning of the station April 1, 1943, the Secretary of the Navy designated Mattapany as the official quarters of the commanding officer of the naval air station. Today it houses the senior ranking officer on the installation, the Naval Air Systems Command commanding officer.

The Somerville House

The Somerville House (Quarters W) is a classic 18th century Maryland House. The original portion of Quarters W was built by Dr. George Clark Somerville c. 1780-1790. Somerville, born in 1757, served during the Revolutionary War under Benjamin Rush, George Washington’s personal physician.

Somerville, a bachelor, was a member of the family of early settlers in Southern Maryland who founded the Mulberry Fields Plantation near Leonardtown. He willed his estate to his brothers, William and John, on the condition that all his slaves would be freed and that if either brother objected, he would forfeit his inheritance.

Somerville died in 1791.

The original Somerville House was part of the manor of William Eltonhead. The Navy acquired the present house and surrounding territory in 1941 from Matt Trimble.

The house itself, remarkably preserved for its age, exhibits the classic early Maryland architecture with double fireplaces on both ends, gabled upstairs windows, central staircase and Maryland roofline canted over the porch. The original 3-foot-thick spread footings are visible in the basement. The framing is mostly of oak.

St. Nicholas Chapel

St. Nicholas Chapel is unique among Department of Defense chapels. It became a military chapel in April 1943; however, its roots go back to a Jesuit mission in the early days of Maryland’s history, more than 350 years ago. Today’s structure, constructed of cement blocks in 1916, is on the site of the original St. Nicholas parish constructed in 1795 by the Jesuit Superior,

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Father James Walton. The St. Nicholas Chapel is listed as a Maryland State Historic Landmark.

A marble tablet embedded in the chapel wall honors Father Sebastian DeRose, a chaplain for the French Navy during the American Revolutionary War. The tablet was part of the original 1795 wooden building. DeRose was the first full-time pastor of the chapel and later was buried underneath the nave of the old church. There are almost 600 other graves surrounding the historic building of which about 200 stones were eventually laid down and covered by earth. The cemetery is slowly being restored to its pre-1943 appearance. Currently about 60 markers for known veterans from the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, and World War I have been reset, along with stones from other St. Mary’s County families.

In 1945, Felix de Weldon, America’s premier monument sculptor, created the most dominant feature in the chapel, a 3,000-pound Vermont marble crucifix. The larger-than-life-size sculpture overlooks the altar. De Weldon later sculpted the Iwo Jima Memorial, accomplishing both works of art while stationed at the naval air station as a Sailor during World War II. The chapel also features 19 stained glass windows, eight of which depict the life of Christ, and a white colonial pulpit acquired from the U.S. Naval Academy chapel in 1943. The church’s 300-pound bell was contributed

by USS (CVE-102) Attu, a World War II aircraft carrier.

Recent changes include a digital organ and carillon.

Cedar Point Lighthouse

The Cedar Point Lighthouse was built in 1896 on a peninsula where the Patuxent River empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It was originally owned by the Coast Guard which sold all but a 10-by-10-foot parcel in 1928 to the Arundel Corporation. By the time the Navy purchased the lighthouse property in 1958, it had become an island. Due to the increasing soil erosion and storms, the lighthouse complex deteriorated rapidly. Funds to maintain its upkeep were not available.

In 1981, the Department of Navy approved the demolition of the remaining lighthouse structure. In December 1981, the cupola was removed using funds raised by the Friends of Cedar Point Lighthouse and placed on display at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Once the museum moved to its temporary location by Gate 1, the cupola was moved on station and refurbished.

In 1996, salvage efforts got under way to preserve what was left of the lighthouse. The remainder of the lighthouse structure was dismantled and donated to the Calvert Marine Museum and the St. Clements Island - Potomac River Museum. The bricks were used to build pavilions displaying pictures and the history of the lighthouse. The tiled roof with gabled ends was salvaged for display with the Calvert Marine Museum’s maritime history exhibit.

Academic Programs

St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) 240-895-2200 www.smcm.edu Nestled in a horseshoe bend on the St. Mary’s River, SMCM is the state’s only public honors college offering not only a rigorous liberal arts course of undergraduate study, but also numerous opportunities for continuing education and professional certification. Located only 10 minutes from Lexington Park, SMCM offers certificate programs in project management, DOD systems acquisition, and education. SMCM is a PMI® Global Registered Education provider. In the adult continuing education programs, lectures are combined with hands-on, in-class exercises to allow practical application of the material learned. The ivy league feel and tidewater architecture of the campus are a perfect backdrop to the plentiful lectures, concerts, art gallery, and theater performances given throughout the year. Many events are free and open to the public.

SMCM is consistently ranked one of the top public, liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. The Washington Post calls SMCM “a place to get an ivy league education at a public school price.”

This listing is not intended as an endorsement or lack thereof of any institution or program.

University of Maryland University College (UMUC) 301-737-3228 www.umuc.edu UMUC provides high-quality educational opportunities on-site at NAS Pax River. The curricula emphasize skills and competencies needed by adults in the work force.

Undergraduate students may choose from 26 majors, 36 minors and 43 certificates, most of which may be obtained through a distance education online program.

Some courses are also offered in a traditional classroom format. Graduate students may choose from a Doctor of Management, 17 master’s degree programs including an accelerated route to teacher certification in Maryland, and more than 38 graduate certificates. Full staff support is available for services such as undergraduate academic advising and proctoring of DE exams and placement tests.

Florida Institute of Technology, Patuxent Site 301-862-1004 http://uc.fit.edu/es/patuxent Email: patuxent@fit.edu Since 1972, Florida Tech’s Patuxent Site has offered the working professional an opportunity to maintain

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professional and technical competence while earning a graduate degree without career interruption. Students may choose from 11 programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business/Management with concentrations in Human Resources, Acquisition and Contracts, eBusiness, Information Systems and Operations Research. Courses are offered in a traditional format meeting once a week or via distance learning during a 15-week semester. For added convenience, all degree coursework may be completed through the Pax River site in two years or less. Florida Tech is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Florida Tech is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to offer courses and degree programs at the Patuxent Site. These programs have been approved for payment of veterans’ benefits to qualified students under authority of Subchapter 1775, Chapter 36, Title 38, United States Code, Veterans’ Benefits Support.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 301-863-8776 | Fax: 301-863-7046 www.erau.edu/patuxentriver Email: patuxent.river.center@erau.edu Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an independent, non-sectarian, non-profit, coeducational university with a history dating to the early days of aviation. The university serves culturally diverse adult students motivated toward careers in aviation/aerospace, logistics, management, and safety.

Embry-Riddle has been at the NAS Pax River site since 1978. We are part of an extensive network of many extended campuses throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University serves civilian and military working adults in a non-traditional setting.

To accommodate the schedule of working adults, courses are offered during the evening hours and on Saturday mornings. Undergraduate courses are offered five times a year for nine weeks and graduate courses are offered four times a year for 10 weeks.

The Pax River Campus offers the following programs: Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management, Associate/Bachelor Degrees in Professional Aeronautics and Technical Management, with minors in Management, Logistics, and Safety. The university offers a Masters in Aeronautical Science with specialties in Aeronautics, Management, Safety, and Operations. In addition, the Master of Science in Management is offered on-line through the Distance Learning Program. Also, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers certificate programs in Logistics, Safety, Supply Chain Management and Aviation

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Maintenance Technology.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All academic and certificate programs at the Pax River Campus have been approved by the U.S. and Maryland Department of Veterans’ Affairs for veteran training.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is located at 21795B North Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Closed on federal holidays.

University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) 301-737-2500 www.usmsm.umd.edu The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) focuses on providing highly developed and comprehensive academic and professional development programs at the undergraduate (upper level) and graduate level to a workforce of knowledge workers engaged in technology, teaching, management, health, and other professions.

The 90-plus academic programs, including certificates and certifications, and professional development programs offered by distinguished universities in the Mid-Atlantic Region, includes Johns Hopkins University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, University of Maryland at College Park, University of Maryland Global Campus, Salisbury University, Towson University, and Bowie State University.

USMSM provides an opportunity for citizens in the region to achieve their potential in their chosen professional fields and to advance the economic and social development of the region. USMSM also facilitates the advancement and growth of the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River through partnerships with nationally ranked universities providing high technology and management programs that facilitate the creation of a national high technology center of excellence in multiple naval aviation specializations including unmanned autonomous systems (UAVs).

The current 60,000 sq. ft. facility comprising two academic buildings, is located on a 24-acre campus and includes 35 high-tech classrooms of which two are computer laboratories, three are engineering laboratories and one is a flight simulation laboratory.

USMSM also has meeting facilities and hosts conferences, training programs, luncheon meetings, and special event programs. In September 2019, USMSM broke ground on a third building, a new Academic and Innovation Center, an $86 million, 84,000-square foot academic and research facility that will nearly

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Johns Hopkins University (at SMHEC) Johns Hopkins University has master’s degree programs offered in Systems Engineering and Technical Management, in School Counseling and in Clinical Community Counseling. Also offered is a PostMasters Certificate in Clinical Community Counseling.

University of Maryland College Park (at SMHEC) UMCP presents 10 master’s degrees in Engineering, and nine graduate certificates in Engineering. Offered is the Professional Masters of Engineering with Options in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Project Management. Four course Graduate Certificates in Engineering are offered in all these options in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Energy and the Environment Core), Nuclear Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Project Management, Systems Engineering, plus Software Engineering. Two bachelor degree completion programs are offered in conjunction with

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NAS Patuxent River in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering: Aero Track.

Capitol College (at SMHEC) Three bachelor completion degree programs are offered, including a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, a B.S. in Computer Engineering and a B.S. in Computer Science. These are offered as upper level Bachelor completion degrees. Also offered are a B.S. in Business Administration, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and an M.S. in Information Assurance. Towson State University (at SMHEC) Degree programs in education and human resource development are offered, including a Master of Education in Reading, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and an M.S. in Math Education: Middle School track. They also offer an M.S. in Human Resource Development with an Educational Leadership Track. Also offered is a Post Masters Certification in Administration and Supervision.

Catholic University of America (at SMHEC) The Catholic University of America offers a parttime, Saturday Master of Social Work that is a four-year program. It includes internships in local area social service organizations. University of Maryland University College (at SMHEC) A Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management is offered and a B.S. degree in Business Administration that has an additional option in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. A B.S. in Management Studies is also offered. These are Bachelor’s completion programs offering the two years of upper-level courses on-site at SMHEC.

George Washington University (at SMHEC) Two Ph.D. degrees in Systems Engineering or Engineering Management are offered by the George Washington University (GWU) School of Engineering and Applied Science. After completing ten required courses and passing the doctoral qualifying examination, the students write an original dissertation in either Systems Engineering or Engineering Management. A new Executive Leadership Doctoral program from the Department of Human and Organizational Learning at GWU is also offered.

Gratz College (at SMHEC) An M.A. in Education with a Concentration in Instruction is offered in a double weekend format for each three credit course in Fall and Spring, and in a one-week full day format in the Summer semester.

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double the educational footprint of USMSM, create autonomous systems research space, and spur economic activity and job growth. The new building is scheduled to open in the fall 2021. The Academic and Innovation Center will house 16 additional classrooms, 11 additional faculty offices, a 4,400 sq. ft.

Conference Center, and a 44,000 sq. ft. Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) research facility for the School of Engineering at the University of Maryland College Park.

USMSM is located six miles north of the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River. The Center is within the Wildewood Technology and Professional Park on Airport Road adjacent to St. Mary’s County Regional Airport. This area is currently planned as an Innovation District.

As USMSM prepares for future needs, it envisions lifelong learning to be essential to future workforce requirements. More educational opportunities will soon be available at USMSM for enhanced undergraduate and graduate studies; the contemplated diversification of the Southern Maryland economy and workforce; and the center of excellence in Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) research to be housed in the new building.

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Notre Dame of Maryland University [formerly College of Notre Dame of Maryland] (at SMHEC ) The Notre Dame of Maryland University offers Master’s degree programs in leadership and management, contemporary communication and education. The M.A. in Leadership and Management has nine core courses and at SMHEC individualized concentrations in Information Systems, Individualized Specialization, and Project Management. The Contemporary Communication Masters program is online with courses in Computer Studies, Communications, Philosophy, Art, Interdisciplinary Studies and English. A Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations is also available at SMHEC with this University. An M.A. in Teaching prepares graduates for initial teaching positions and includes Certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary or Secondary Education. A separate ACT program offers accelerated certification without the need to complete a Master’s degree. An M.A. in Leadership in Teaching offers concentrations in: Administration and Supervision; Special Education; Reading Specialist; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; and Library Media. Graduate Certification Programs are also offered in these concentration subjects. A Post Masters Certificate of Advanced Study in Education in Instructional Leadership (CASE) is also available.

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) 301-934-2251, 240-725-5300 www.csmd.edu The fifth largest community college in the state, CSM is a thriving regional college committed to affordable tuition, workforce development and cultural enrichment. Open- door, public institution, CSM helps individuals attain their educational goals at locations in La Plata, Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Prince Frederick and Waldorf. Located in the heart of historic Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Campus has seen a 50 percent increase in student enrollment since fall 1995 with 2,004 students attending in Fall 2005. The campus consists of three buildings, which provide science labs including advanced technology, electronics, chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology/anatomy and physiology as well as a wellness center and auditorium available for student and community use.

Leonardtown’s facilities provide space for CSM to further develop its articulation programs with the St. Mary’s County public school system, as well as centralize the college’s course offerings. Building features include classrooms and specialized rooms

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for computer graphics and telecommunications.

New programs at the Leonardtown Campus include CSM’s Information Services Technology: Wireless Communications Degree Pathway and the MCSE Server 2003, one of the most widely recognized technical certifications in the industry. Other continuing education course additions at the Leonardtown Campus feature an expanded Kids’ and Teens’ College and a new series of Adult PLUS classes.

With more than 50 summer enrichment offerings, the Kids’ and Teens’ College programs allow children to design an entire day specific to their interests in a fun, active, learning environment. Kids’ College also includes extended day care options for working parents. Adult PLUS classes enable active adults to enrich their lives with quality, convenient and affordable personal enrichment programs through luncheon lectures and various classes. Driver education training is also provided at the Leonardtown campus.

One of every two credit students attending CSM plans to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

CSM offers an array of associate’s degree programs and brokers four-year degree programs locally through partnerships with colleges and universities.

Local to the St. Mary’s community are articulated bachelor’s degree programs in business administration with the University of Baltimore and computer science with St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

For eight of the last 10 years, CSM has remained one of the top three community colleges in Maryland for its four-year graduation and transfer rates among first-time, full-time entering freshmen classes.

With more than 21,000 students, CSM is growing to meet the community’s needs. The college has recently dedicated the 10,000-square-foot St. Charles Children’s Learning Center and an expanded Physical Education Center at the La Plata campus. The flagship building at the new Prince Frederick campus opened in fall 2005, and renovations of the Wellness Center at Leonardtown are in the planning stages.

CSM facilitates work force development and a strong connection to the region’s business community through its Corporate and Community Training Institute. CCTI demonstrates a history of addressing the specialized needs of the local business community. The Lexington Park Training Center is ideally located outside NAS Pax River on Shangri-La Drive and offers programs for local businesses and individuals who are in need of professional, convenient and reasonably priced training. Various training options are conveniently delivered in ways to fit anyone’s busy schedule, and can be tailored to meet specific business performance needs.

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Southern Maryland has changed significantly since 1634.

Despite the inevitable change brought by the passage of time and growth of the region, the ideals, values and traditions upon which Maryland was built still echo throughout Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

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When you first arrive in Southern Maryland you might be surprised at the strong sense of history that surrounds you. Wherever you go you’ll find more than monuments — you’ll feel a presence, a proud identity with the birth of American independence. Give yourself time. You can’t see it all in a day. With time and a little patience, you’ll discover one of the most exciting places in the world.

Ours is a cornucopia of recreational, cultural and travel opportunities within many different areas.

Explore the rich history and strong sense of heritage.

Discover what so many have come to find as a state and a region with something for everyone.

The story of the great state of Maryland began in Southern Maryland when the first 140 settlers arrived at St. Clement’s Island March 25, 1634. They came with a sacred purpose — to build a new society founded on the principles of religious tolerance, separation of church and state, equal justice and representative government — revolutionary ideas in their time. Their principles took root and flourished in the land they called Maryland and became an enduring legacy of freedom to the generations of Americans who would follow. These first Maryland settlers established a permanent colony at St. Mary’s City. In 1637, St. Mary’s County, the site of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, was established, followed by Calvert County in 1654, and Charles County in 1658.

Southern Maryland has changed significantly since 1634. Despite the inevitable changes brought by the passage of time and growth of the region, the ideals, values and traditions upon which Maryland was built still echo throughout Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

There is a pleasant surprise waiting for you in Southern Maryland today — a beautiful land nestled between the Potomac River and the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The region, home to more than a quarter of a million people, is made up of 1,000 square miles of land captured within 700 miles of pristine shoreline.

Southern Maryland has so much to offer its residents and guests. If you care to step back in time, embark for St. Clement’s Island, the landing site of those first Maryland colonists, or tour Historic St. Mary’s City, England’s fourth permanent settlement in America and Maryland’s first capital. Tour the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln’s assassin, or stroll through the region’s beautiful manor homes such as Sotterley Mansion, built in 1717, or Smallwood’s Retreat, home of Revolutionary War General William

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Smallwood. Attend worship services at one of the region’s historical churches such as St. Francis Xavier in Newtown, St. Ignatius Church at Chapel Point, or Middleham Church, in the oldest cruciform designed church in Maryland.

Explore the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, just minutes from Naval Recreation Center Solomons, and learn more about southern Maryland’s maritime history and pre-history, when ancient seas covered the entire region. Roam the site of Port Tobacco, an important center for the colony’s tobacco trade near La Plata, or discover the tools of American Indians who settled Maryland thousands of years before the first Europeans arrived, at the Jefferson Patterson Park and St. Clement’s Island-Potomac Museum.

If you long for the serenity of sailing, set a course for the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac or the Patuxent rivers.

If you enjoy the challenge of fishing, cast your line into southern Maryland’s water and land a catch of rockfish, white perch, pike, largemouth bass or flounder. Dangle your bait from a local pier and net a bushel of crabs, or go out with one of our charter boat captains and pull in the famous rockfish or “big blues.”

If you search for an adventure of the mind, enter the realm of the towering bald cypress trees at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary near Prince Frederick, or hike to the majestic Calvert Cliffs, one of the richest deposits of marine fossils in the Eastern United States. Watch a dazzling show of precision flying and aerial acrobatics at the Air Expo held every other year at NAS Pax River.

If you dream of savoring a “taste of Southern Maryland,” attend the annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival at the county fairgrounds, visit the lively open-air cafés on Solomons Island, take your family to a crab feast at Popes Creek, or try a traditional Southern Maryland dish like stuffed ham, oysters or spicy crab soup at one of our many fine restaurants.

Southern Maryland’s hospitality may be found in abundance throughout Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. Welcome to Southern Maryland.

St. Mary’s County

www.co.saint-marys.md.us On March 25, 1634, 140 English settlers landed their two small ships, the Dove and the Ark, near a small island they sighted as they sailed up the Potomac River. Led by Governor Leonard Calvert, the land

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Sites and Attractions St. Mary’s County Tourism www.visitstmarysmd.com Cecil’s Old Mill 301-994-1510 www.stmarysart.com Cecil’s Mill was originally built as a cotton/textile factory then rebuilt into a grist and saw mill. The mill is now operated as a historic site and merchant shop where local artisans display handmade crafts and original art for sale.

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was taken in possession in the name of his brother, Lord Baltimore. Father Andrew White offered the first Roman Catholic Mass in the English Colony.

The tiny frontier village these men and women established was named St. Mary’s. The Catholic Calverts began the settlement, which later became capital of the area, on deeply seated principles of religious toleration between Catholics and Protestants.

This policy, formally adopted in 1649 with the passage of the Toleration Act, set the standard for many of the colonies and eventually for the U.S. Constitution.

In 1695, the capital of Maryland was moved to Annapolis. St. Mary’s, which had boomed as the seat of government, became farmland. Today, archeological digs are common to discover more of the natural as well as social history of the area.

During the Revolutionary War, the citizens of St. Mary’s County played an active role in many battles.

Point Lookout served as an observation point to watch British activities in the Chesapeake Bay during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The area was such a detriment to the British effort that during both wars British warships bombarded the coastline, forcing colonists to flee. During the latter part of the War of 1812, the British captured Point Lookout and used the area as a supply base for the invasion of Washington and the attempted capture of Baltimore.

Maryland remained a Union state during the Civil War. The Union Army established a hospital and a prison camp at Point Lookout. More than 52,000 Confederate prisoners of war were held during the war.

St. Mary’s County suffered during the Depression along with the rest of the country. The self-sufficiency of the area allowed St. Mary’s to fare slightly better than most urban areas.

For more information on things to see and do in St. Mary’s County, please visit www.visitstmarysmd.com or call 1-800-327-9023.

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Historic Leonardtown www.somd.com/leonardtown 301-475-9791 Leonardtown is St. Mary’s County Seat, and so much more. Named an Arts & Entertainment District in 2014, Leonardtown is home to a vibrant shopping and dining area. You’ll find one-of-a-kind galleries, restaurants, and independent shops around The Square and along Fenwick Street and Route 5. Leonardtown holds fun annual events such as Earth Day, Beach Party, and Christmas on the Square as well as First Friday (www. firstfridaysleonardtown.com), a monthly celebration of the arts with live music and evening fun. There’s a beautiful waterfront park and playground as well as historic Tudor Hall (www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/ tudor-hall) and the Old Jail Museum (www.visitstmarysmd.com/site/detail/old-jail-museum). The town’s feel is relaxed and friendly, with plenty of convenient free parking.

Historic St. Mary’s City www.stmaryscity.org 240-895-4990 Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of history and archaeology that celebrates Maryland’s first capital and the birthplace of religious freedom in British North America. Recreated structures in the town center, a tobacco plantation, an Indian hamlet, a brick chapel, the St. John’s Site Museum, a tall ship and costumed interpreters show visitors how the colonists lived. An exhibit in the Visitor Center describes Maryland’s founding through artifacts found during more than a quartercentury of excavations at the site — St. Mary’s City is

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one of the finest 17th-century archaeology sites in the United States. Informative signs are located throughout the grounds and an audio tour is available to rent.

Special events held throughout the year provide unique opportunities for visitors to work alongside archaeologists, explore the life ways and culture of the region’s Native American peoples, and discover various facets of the colonial experience in Tidewater Maryland. Historic St. Mary’s City hours are seasonal; please contact the museum for details.

St. Mary’s County Libraries www.stmalib.org 301-475-2846 St. Mary’s County Library is your place to learn, discover and relax. With three branches and an Internet branch to serve you, library services are provided seven days a week.

The library maintains a wide collection of more than 200,000 items including DVDs and audio books, plus online information resources and downloadable books.

Public computers and high-speed Internet access are available at the three branches. The libraries offer numerous programs like story times and children’s programs, book discussions, computer classes, author visits and summer reading programs.

Each library is staffed with courteous, informed staff to assist you. Library cards are free to all county residents and are available online.

St. Mary’s County Museums www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/Museums.asp Scattered about St. Mary’s County are sites that offer a unique history that is woven into the historical and cultural fabric of St. Mary’s, the Mother County of Maryland. Visit their website for more information.

Patuxent River Naval Air Museum http://paxmuseum.com 301-863-1900 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Guided tours and children’s educational activities are available by advance appointment.

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum preserves and presents the historic and contemporary breakthroughs realized at NAS Pax River in the research, development, and flight tests to advance U.S. Naval Aviation. The Museum is the repository of artifacts, photographs and film, reports, documents and related heritage memorabilia from the many aviation programs

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conducted at Pax from World War II to the present, as well as the activities of the former stations of Warminster, Pa., and Trenton, N.J., now consolidated at NAS Pax River.

Museum exhibits and programs encourage visitors to let their “imaginations take flight.” Displayed outdoors are 21 naval aircraft that were actual test articles or representative of types tested at Pax River, including the Boeing X-32B and Lockheed Martin X-35C Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstration aircraft. Indoor exhibits feature audio-visual and hands-on displays, providing visitors with an overview of the technical processes for testing aeronautical systems; exhibit subjects include flight test instrumentation, sonobuoys, reciprocating, turboprop and turbojet engines, unmanned aerial systems, crew systems and ejection seats, and The Great Model Collection. Also on display: a moon rock donated in 2009 by Captain Jim Lovell.

The Museum Store stocks a wide range of die-cast and desktop aircraft models, aviation books and videos, and military-themed clothing and memorabilia (call 301-863-8334). For a nominal fee, visitors can fly in the sophisticated simulators of the resident Mach Combat™ facility; call 301-863-1900 to make an appointment.

Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate /museums/ppl.asp

301-769-2222 Piney Point Lighthouse, the first permanent lighthouse constructed on the Potomac River, is the only one still in its original location accessible to the public in Southern Maryland. This six-acre park offers picnic areas, a canoe/kayak launch and boardwalk with information on site history.

Point Lookout State Park, Lighthouse and Civil War Museum www.dhr.state.md.us 301-872-5688 Point Lookout State Park is located at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. During the Civil War, the area of Point Lookout State Park was used as a hospital and prisoner-of-war camp.

A federal and a state monument honor the more than 3,000 Confederate soldiers who died in the camp.

Along with its historical displays, Point Lookout is also a great place for swimming, fishing, boating and camping.

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English settlers landed at St. Clement’s Island on the Ark and the Dove on March 25, 1634. Located on the mainland overlooking the island, the Potomac River Museum traces this historic journey.

Sotterley Plantation www.sotterley.org 301-373-2280 Sotterley Plantation, located on the banks of the Patuxent River, is an 18th century tidewater plantation. The plantation includes the Manor House, which is considered the most important example of tidewater post-in-ground architecture in the nation, several outbuildings and gardens.

St. George’s Episcopal Church 301-994-0585 On the National Register of Historic Places, St. George’s Episcopal Church houses the oldest Parish in Maryland.

Tudor Hall www.stmaryshistory.org 301-475-2467 Historic Tudor Hall, circa 1756, houses a bookstore, research library, and historic gardens. Records and material collected by the St. Mary’s County Historical Society are also stored in the Research Center at Tudor Hall.

Events

www.visitstmarysmd.com/events-entertainment Celebrate Maryland Day

Historic St. Mary’s City: In March, celebrate Maryland’s centuries-old anniversary with ceremony, pageantry, speeches and free admission to living history and museum exhibits.

St. Clement’s Island: You can also come commemorate the 1634 landing of English colonists seeking religious freedom at St. Clement’s Island. This celebration is also in March and includes guest speakers, dignitaries and wreath laying. Free.

Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival

This July event will have you enjoying an intimate evening of jazz music while you relax riverside on the

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grounds of the St. Clement’s Island Museum.

“LiL’ Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival

This fun for the whole family event is held in August each year at the Goddard Family Farm in Leonardtown, and features bluegrass, old time country music and home cooked food.

River Concert Series www.smcm.edu/events/riverconcert/

From June to July, enjoy major artists, celebrity musicians and the Chesapeake Orchestra along the shores of the St. Mary’s River.

St. Mary’s County Fair www.somd.com/smcfair Come celebrate St. Mary’s rural life and heritage at the annual fair held in September at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown.

Ghosts of Sotterley www.sotterley.org Sotterley Plantation’s past occupants come to pay a visit each year in October.

St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival www.usoysterfest.com Held the third weekend in October at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown, this event features the National Oyster Cook-off and National Shucking Championship.

Annual Veterans Day Parade www.somd.com/leonardtown The annual Veterans Day Parade is held in historic downtown Leonardtown. This is the largest Veterans Day Parade in Maryland.

Calvert County www.co.cal.md.us Calvert County’s earliest settlers were members of the Piscataway nation. Native tribes established villages along the Patuxent River where they grew corn and tobacco on rich farmlands. Captain John Smith is the first European known to have seen the peninsula.

Calvert County was established July 3, 1654, by Lord Baltimore. When the Puritans were driven out of Virginia, some of them, under the leadership of Richard Preston, settled in Calvert County. His home was the site of the first assembly held in Maryland. In 1655, an armed band of Governor Stone’s men from St. Mary’s took the Puritans by surprise and seized documents

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St. Clement’s Island Museum www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/museums/ stclementsisland.asp 301-769-2222

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Working aboard NAS Patuxent River that had been taken from St. Mary’s by the Puritans.

The Great Seal of Maryland was lost in this raid and was never recovered. It is believed to be buried in the garden or hidden in the walls of the old house.

The time between the Revolutionary War and the Second War with England in 1812 was a time of peaceful growth in Calvert County. The plantation system developed, and much of the cultural, social and political life of the county was tied to this structure. In 1814 one of the most famous naval engagements in Maryland history took place in the Patuxent River. The British put ashore many raiding parties that pillaged and destroyed many of the old plantation homes, tobacco warehouses and public buildings, including the courthouse.

When the Civil War erupted, Calvert County was inclined to side with the southerners. At the end of the war, profound changes touched the county way of life, bringing almost to a standstill the agricultural practices which had provided a gracious living for the landowners. It was then that the economy of the county turned to the produce of the water. In 1865 Captain Isaac Solomon established a commercial fishery and cannery in the southernmost part of the county on an underdeveloped island, which immediately became known as Solomons Island.

The quiet life of Calvert County continued into the 20th century, disrupted by the outbreak of the First World War in which many county men were lost. The period following World War I saw growth and improvements within the county. The Second World War brought a real turning point in Calvert County history, when Solomons became a training site for the Navy and Marines. Growth and change has followed and the county looks to the future with confidence. www.ecalvert.com/content/ tourism/.

Sites and Attractions Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center www.annmariegarden.org 410-326-4640 This 30-acre sculpture garden and arts center is located in scenic Solomons. The arts center presents dynamic exhibits and programs year-round.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary www.co.cal.md.us/NaturalResources 410-535-5327 This 100-acre nature sanctuary contains the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees.

There is an elevated boardwalk through the swamp and a nature center with natural history exhibits.

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Bayside History Museum www.baysidehistorymuseum.org 410-495-8386

Explore the role the Chesapeake Bay had in shaping the cultures of bayside communities from prehistoric time to the present.

Breezy Point Beach and Campground www.co.cal.md.us/BreezyPoint 410-535-0259

A bay-front park featuring swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. Breezy Point is the perfect place to spend the day exploring the beach and hunting for fossils.

Calvert Cliffs State Park dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/southern / calvertcliffs.asp 301-743-7613 A hike through the park’s 1,400 wooded acres ends at the Calvert Cliffs where visitors may hunt for fossils. The park is ideal for hiking, fishing and picnicking.

Calvert County Historical Society www.calverthistory.org 410-535-2452 Historic Linden, built about 1868, is the home of the Calvert County Historical Society offering a research library containing family papers, photographs, published histories, maps and recorded interviews.

Calvert Marine Museum 410-326-2042 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com This is the only museum on the East Coast that is home to two lighthouses, rich maritime history and exhibits on the diversity of life in the Chesapeake Bay. See aquariums full of local estuarine life, models, paintings, woodcarvings, fossils and boats. Outdoor exhibits include a boat basin, river otter habitat and a recreated salt marsh.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum www.cbrm.org 410-257-3892 The Chesapeake Beach Railway’s only remaining station now houses a museum displaying historical photos and artifacts that depict resort life and transportation from the early 1900s.

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The trail is located partially on the right of way of the long abandoned Chesapeake Beach Railway and Fishing Creek. The creek is a significant watershed that empties directly into the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Beach Water Park www.chesapeakebeachwaterpark.com 410-257-1404 or 301-855-3803

Features a children’s pool, activity pool, slides and a lazy river. Great snack bar located inside the park.

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center www.umces.edu/cbl 410-326-7443 This is the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the East Coast. Visitors can experience the scientific atmosphere of the research facility and learn about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through exhibits and laboratory tours.

Cove Point Family Aquatic Center www.co.cal.md.us/CovePointPool 410-394-6248 Featuring a lap pool with diving boards, wading pool for toddlers and a leisure pool with multiple play features.

Cove Point Lighthouse www.calvertmarinemuseum.com The oldest continuously working lighthouse in Maryland, built in 1828 by John Donahoo. The 40-foot brick tower is surmounted by an iron lantern containing a lens manufactured in Paris in 1897.

Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center www.co.cal.md.us/AquaticCenter 410-414-5350 An indoor aquatic center featuring a competition pool with diving area, leisure pool with multiple play features and a therapy pool, accessible spa hot tub and a fitness room.

Flag Ponds Nature Park www.co.cal.md.us/NaturalResources 410-586-1477 Sandy beaches, freshwater ponds and the forested heights of Calvert Cliffs are featured with hiking trails, observation platforms, a wetlands boardwalk, fishing pier and visitor center.

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J.C. Lore & Sons Oyster House www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Visit this restored 1934 seafood packing house to learn about the boom and decline of the region’s commercial seafood industries.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum www.jefpat.org 410-586-8501 Experience, discover, learn and have fun at the state museum of archaeology. Seventy archaeological sites have been identified reflecting more than 12,000 years of human occupation. Visitor and exhibit center, hiking trails, Native American village, tours, educational programs, canoe and kayak launches.

Kings Landing Park 410-535-2661 www.co.cal.md.us/NaturalResources This 260-acre park on the Patuxent River offers a variety of outdoor amenities including wetlands boardwalk, fishing pier, hiking trails, canoe and kayak launches and a swimming pool.

Old Wallville School www.oldwallvilleschool.org Built in the early 1880s, the school is the oldest standing one-room schoolhouse for African American students in Calvert County. Offering education for grades 1 through 7, it remained in use until 1934.

One-Room Schoolhouse 410-586-0161 www.calvertoneroomschool.org Port Republic School No. 7 has stood in a shady grove of trees near Christ Church for more than 100 years. Authentically preserved, the schoolhouse is filled with memorabilia.

Charles County

www.charlescountymd.gov More than 350 years of history await you in Charles County. When Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac River in 1608, he drew a map including the Indian Village of Potopaco, which later became popularly known as Port Tobacco. A major seaport from which tobacco was exported to Europe, Port Tobacco was colonized by the English and became one of the foremost settlements for miles around. Settlements grew and on May 10, 1658, Charles County was established.

Reminders of these early days endure, as do remnants

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Our Neighbors

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail www.chesapeake-beach.md.us/ attractions_railwaytrail.htm 410-257-2230

A v i a t i o n

of our later history, which have been restored to their days of simpler living. With 300 miles of shoreline, Charles County is a mecca for boat owners as well as fishermen and seafood lovers. Travelers stop here annually to fish, crab, swim, boat, camp and water ski. White perch, largemouth bass, yellow perch, catfish, spot and rockfish abound in our waters.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the natural beauty of our many parks and forests. Charles County is 18 miles south of the nation’s capitol. Visitors can enjoy day trips to Washington, D.C., Baltimore or Annapolis in Maryland, or travel south to Virginia to visit Richmond and Williamsburg.

For more information, call the Charles County Government — Tourism office at 800-SOMDFUN (766-3386) or 301-6450558, or visit www.thenationsbackyard.com.

Sites and Attractions African-American Heritage Society 301-843-0371 The African-American Heritage Museum depicts the life, history and contributions of African-American citizens from Charles County and Southern Maryland from 1658 to present.

American Indian Cultural Center and Piscataway Indian Museum www.piscatawayindians.org/museum.html 301-372-1932 This museum educates visitors on the lives of Native Americans before European contact through exhibits reflecting their lives, arts and culture. The center also hosts an annual Pow-Wow.

Christ Church, William and Mary Parish 301-259-4327 William and Mary Parish dates from the 1692 Act of the Maryland General Assembly establishing Protestant parishes throughout the state. The church still uses its Queen Anne communion silver today.

second largest seaport. The Port Tobacco Courthouse is a reconstruction of the third structure that was built, and is furnished as a l9th century courtroom.

Port Tobacco One-Room School House 301-932-6064 The Port Tobacco One-Room School House served Port Tobacco community from when it was built in 1876 until 1953. The school house has been restored and is furnished with items from its early years.

Smallwood State Park and Smallwood Retreat 301-743-7613 www.dnr.state.md.us The 630-acre recreational area includes the restored home of Revolutionary War hero General William Smallwood and Sweden Point Marina with boat launching facilities. Picnicking and hiking are available.

St. Ignatius Church and Thomas Manor House 301-934-8245 Rev. Andrew White, who accompanied Catholic settlers to Maryland in 1934, founded St. Ignatius in 1641. St. Ignatius is the nation’s oldest active parish with a continual pastorate. The church commands a majestic view of the Port Tobacco River from Chapel Point.

Thomas Stone National Historic Site 301-392-1776 www.nps.gov This plantation, called Habre de Venture, was owned by Thomas Stone, a well-respected lawyer who voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence. Stone and his wife are buried on site. Self-guided hiking and birding trails are available at the site.

Dr. Mudd House www.somd.lib.md.us 301-645-6870, 301-274-9358 Dr. Mudd’s house is where John Wilkes Booth went to have his broken leg set after he fatally shot President Lincoln in 1865. Guided tours and a gift shop are available.

Mount Carmel Monastery 301-934-1654 Established in 1790, Mount Carmel Monastery was the first monastery for women in Colonial America. Visitors may tour two of the original convent buildings.

Port Tobacco Courthouse 301-934-4313 Settled in 1634, Port Tobacco was at one time Maryland’s

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