Eli Wohlenhaus ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com 240-801-2258
Regional Multimedia Advertising Manager
Stacy Moreland smoreland@chespub.com
Multimedia Account Executives
Ryan Ebaugh rebaugh@dcmilitary.com 443-963-6013
Eric Sylvia esylvia@chespub.com
Graphic Design Steve Baird
The name Pax River Press is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.
This paper is published by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC, 29088 Airpark Drive, Easton, MD. 21601. 410-770-4005, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under an exclusive written Memorandum of Understanding with Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
This commercial enterprise magazine is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Pax River Press are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC, and Printing of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised 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. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.
Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. All editorial content submitted to Pax River Press is subject to editing and is approved by the Public Affairs Office of NAS Patuxent River. Editorial content should be submitted by Friday one month prior to be considered for the following month’s edition. To inquire about news copy, call 240-801-2258 or send an email to ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com.
Commercial advertising may be placed with the senior multimedia account executive by calling 443-963-6013.
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C-130 Hercules 70 Years Strong and Growing
From Tactical Airlift Program Office Public Affairs
The ever-enduring C-130 Hercules celebrated 70 years of unwavering service last year. Since its inception in 1954, the Hercules continues to be used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing.
Seven decades ago, the C-130 had an original usage as a medium cargo plane able to land in short, confined runways. As the mission and needs of the fleet changed, the aircraft moved into providing tactical airlift, humanitarian aid, air support, and various mission support across the globe.
The C-130 has had over 70 variants, 15 of which are actively being produced by Lockheed Martin today, and
is distinguished by having the longest continuous military aircraft production run in history. From aerial command centers to weather observation and, occasionally, an aerial drone carrier, the Hercules meets the needs of the fleet. The C-130 has lent its services to nearly every mission capability needed for military or civilian application.
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps employ multiple variants to provide assault and logistics support, including the KC-130J “Super” Hercules. This “super” plane includes the troops and cargo transport capabilities of other C-130 variants and adds air-to-air refueling capability for helicopter, fixed wing, and tiltrotor receiver aircraft to its mission.
One standout variant is the C-130J assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Affectionally
A KC-130J Super Hercules, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies during a training exercise. The Hercules is celebrating 70 years and counting since its inception in 1954. Today, the C-130 Hercules is used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
named Fat Albert, the C-130 made its Blue Angels debut in 1970 and continues to fly alongside F/A-18E Super Hornets in airshows around the world.
The C-130 is responsible for supplying mission critical troops and materials in every American military conflict since the mid-20th century. This stellar aircraft can deliver a variety of airlift support, including parachute or ground delivered combat troops or cargo, such as vehicles, supplies, and evacuation support.
“There is no more versatile aircraft than the C-130,”
said Col. Steven Puckett, program manager Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207). “As a C-130 pilot and now the program manager for Navy and Marine Corps variants of the platform, maintaining the combat relevance and reliability of this critical logistics support aircraft is my organization’s highest priority.”
Tactical Airlift Program Office manages the cradle to grave procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the Navy’s tactical airlift platforms, including the C-130.
The “Fat Albert” C-130J Super Hercules is the logistic support vehicle for The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. (U.S. Navy Photo)
Determined to Make a Difference: Corpsman Focuses on Foster Care Children
By Maria Scott Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Public Affairs
Hospitalman Apprentice (HA) Saray Delarosa a Navy corpsman stationed at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, traded her scrubs for a backpack and a mission: to help foster children succeed. Teaming up with Kelly Thurber, a local military spouse and passionate advocate for foster youth, Delarosa embarked on a volunteer journey to bring a spark of joy to children facing challenging circumstances. Delarosa met Thurber at a local event, and it did not take long for the young sailor to get on board with sponsoring a backpack of books and learning supplies once she learned
of the efforts to bridge the gap for vulnerable children. Kelly Thurber is an Educational Services Representative and Brand Partner with PaperPie, a company dedicated to promoting literacy and learning. Thurber has organized and facilitated three successful book drives for foster care children in the local area, with the generous support of friends, family, and customers like Delarosa.
Delarosa rallied other sailors and friends to sponsor a backpack and initiated two separate volunteer opportunities for corpsmen at the naval health clinic to organize and pack new books and learning materials in anticipation of the holiday distribution events. “She (Delarosa) went above and beyond by helping pack the books and rallying her command to join in. Thanks to her leadership, on two separate dates, nearly 100 book bags were packed in record time! Her effort helped ensure that every child in foster care in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties received a bag filled with books this holiday season,” stated Thurber.
To learn more or connect with Thurber, visit L5827. PaperPie.com, or follow her on Facebook. (https://www. facebook.com/ThurberBooks)
HA Saray Delarosa, HN Maria Cabrera, HA Kimelia Moncrieff, and HM3 Ria TumladHamar
Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Corpsmen assist in packing 100 backpacks for local foster children.
US Navy declares initial operational capability for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band system
From PMA-234 Public Affairs
The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJMB) system in December, bringing a quantum leap in capability over legacy systems with drastic increases in power, target flexibility and jamming technique for naval aviation operations worldwide.
“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. “This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars, protecting our naval aviators and allowing them to carry out their missions in contested airspace.”
The fleet got a preview of the jammer’s high-end
capabilities during Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s five-month deployment this year. Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 deployed with the system aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), marking the first time Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band was used both deployed and in combat.
IOC signals that the design, testing and production of this capability meet the logistical needs of the carrier air wings and EA-18G Growler squadrons.
“What an incredible day for the U.S. Navy, our Australian partners, and the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) community,” said Capt. David Rueter, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems (PMA-234) program manager. “The achievement of NGJ-MB IOC is a positive reflection on the hard work, innovation and resilience from a dedicated team of government and
An EA-18G Growler from VAQ-133 launches from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo)
industry professionals who have developed and fielded this critical capability to the warfighters.”
The NGJ-MB system, developed by Raytheon, an RTX business, is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently used on the EA18G Growler. NGJ-MB uses the latest digital, softwarebased and electronically scanned array technologies and provides enhanced AEA capabilities to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems.
“NGJ-MB will boost our fleet’s ability to maintain spectrum dominance. Yielding new capabilities is critical for addressing current and future threats. The era of isolated surface-to-air missile systems, which operate within a non-agile and limited frequency range, is behind us.” stated Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bedwell, EA-18G Naval Flight Officer and NGJ-MB Deputy Integrated Product Team Lead.
PMA-234 is responsible for acquiring, delivering and sustaining AEA systems, providing combatant commanders with capabilities that enable mission success.
Local Veterans Share Their Expertise: Community Collaboration in Action
By Maria Scott Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Public Affairs
Two local orthopedic specialists from The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics with a shared history of service in the U.S. Navy recently presented to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River staff on common orthopedic injuries and effective treatment strategies. Mark Musket, PA-C, retired from the U.S. Navy in 2008 and his final tour was as a physician assistant stationed at Naval
Health Clinic Patuxent River. After retirement, Musket began practicing locally as a civilian provider. Patricia Turner, MD, served six years as an orthopedic surgeon with the U.S. Navy and during that time was deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Marines in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dr. Turner continues extensive work in foot and ankle surgeries.
The presentation covered a range of topics, including, common musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Injury prevention and treatment
Veteran Mark Musket presenting to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River staff.
strategies were also highlighted emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, proper training techniques, and the latest advancements in nonsurgical and surgical treatments. LT Moises Calero is one of the physician assistants with the clinic who appreciated the opportunity for professional discussion. Calero remarked, “This was a great opportunity to meet the next step in care for our patients.” The presentation was well-received by the clinic staff, who expressed appreciation for the valuable information and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals with a deep understanding of military service.
(Pictured Left to Right) LCDR Ellen Lesh, LT Moises Calero, LTJG Natalie Grose, Dr. Patricia Turner, Mark Musket (PA-C), CDR Steven Elek, LCDR Nicole Benson
Dr. Patricia Turner from The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics presenting to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River staff.
Pax River Marks Spiritual Readiness Month with Proclamation Signing
From NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs
NAS Patuxent River marked its first Spiritual Readiness
Month Jan. 14, 2025 with a proclamation signing by Capt. Douglas Burfield, NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer, and Lt. Israel Alvarado, NAS Patuxent River Installation Chaplain.
Spiritual readiness month is intended for Sailors to draw strength from their beliefs and practices, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, honor, and purpose. While spirituality is at the core of the month’s programming, it does not mean the foundation of spiritual readiness is religious. Spiritual readiness encompasses the development of inner resources, coping mechanisms, and a sense of connectedness to something greater than oneself. In a military context, spiritual readiness is essential for facing the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of military service.
“Just like your body needs food and rest and to function,
so does your spirit,” said Alvarado. “The goal of Spiritual Readiness Month is to get all of our people to understand the transcendent as well as physical needs to help them be the best they can be in mind and body.”
The month was marked by a variety of programs through the NAS Patuxent River Religious Officer including a family fun day, Spiritual Readiness 5K, a food drive, and a Spiritual Readiness Symposium.
Quality-of-Life Programs
This is a great time to enjoy quality-of-life programs at NAS Patuxent River and NRC Solomons! With indoor and outdoor events and activities, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend the chilly weather before spring arrives. Most events and activities are open to all with base access; exceptions will be noted. Authorized patrons include:
• Active Duty Military, their spouses and dependents
• Reservist Military in an active standing, their spouses and dependents
• Retired Military, their spouses and dependents
• Department of Defense civilian employees
• Department of Defense contract employees
More ways to stay in touch with FFR:
• Websites: navymwrpaxriver.com and navymwrsolomons.com
• Weekly eNewsletter: Click on the “MWR Newsletter” link in the upper right-hand corner of our websites
• Social Media: @MWRPaxRiver (Facebook/Instagram) and @ NavyRecreationCenterSolomons (Facebook)
The information in this issue is current at the time of publication. Activities, events, times and prices are subject to change without notice.
Valentine’s Day Couples Craft Kit
Start your date night creating a memory together at NRC Solomons! You’ll be given a craft kit with all the supplies to make a one-of-a-kind “holding hands” canvas.
Registration: Jan. 27-Feb. 10
Where: NRC Solomons
Cost: $15 for guests staying at NRC Solomons during Feb. 14-17, $20 for all others
Who: Open to all with base access
Info: NRC Solomons at 410-3266747
Washington Wizards Bus Trip
Join the Community Recreation team as they head to DC to watch the Washington Wizards take on the San Antonino Spurs. Price includes ticket and transportation.
When: Feb. 10
Time: Bus leaves from the Community Recreation
Office at 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 for all Active Duty members, $105 for all others
Who: Open to all with base access
Registration: Register in person at the Community Recreation Office
Info: Community Recreation Office at 301-342 3648
Pax River Push Pull
Test your strength at this annual lifting competition where participants work toward their 1 rep max for the bench and deadlift. This is an unsanctioned meet but USAPL rules and regulations will be followed.
When: Feb. 22
Time: • Weigh-ins start at 7-9 a.m.
• Meet begins at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Drill Hall
Cost: $20 per person
Who: Open to all with base access ages 16+.
Registration: Registration is open to the first 30 lifters only. Register in person at the Drill Hall or by calling 301-757-3943.
Info: Drill Hall at 301-757-3943
‘What to Expect’ Baby Shower & Resource Fair: Baby in Bloom
New and expectant parents are invited to join MWR Community Recreation and the Fleet & Family Support Center for this free event featuring renowned author of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ Heidi Murkoff. Gifts, prizes, lunch, resources & more!
When: March 8
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Liberty Housing Community Center
Cost: Free
Who: Open to new parents with base access (expecting or with a child up to 1 year old); one registry per family (up to 2 attendees plus baby)
Registration: Register in person at the Community Recreation Office by Feb. 14
Info: Community Recreation Office at 301-342-3648 or the Fleet & Family Support Center at 301-342-4911
Thank you to the What to Expect Project for sponsoring this event. No Navy endorsement implied.
St. Patty’s 10-Mile Relay
Teams of up to 5 people will complete a 10-mile loop around NAS Pax River in this holiday-themed run. Register by March 7 and receive a free gift!
When: March 14
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Drill Hall
Cost: Free for Active Duty & dependents; $10 per person for all others
Who: Open to all with base access ages 16+
Registration: Register in person at the Drill Hall or by calling 301-757-3943 by March 14.
Info: Drill Hall at 301-757-3943
MWR Lodging
NAS Patuxent River and NRC Solomons take full advantage of their wooded, waterfront locations by offering a wide array of lodging options.
NRC Solomons Winter Wonderland Stay: Through Feb. 28
Enjoy a special weekday rate of $99 per night (two-night minimum) in NRC Solomons Recreational Lodging units including Contemporary Cottages, Brick Cottages, Log Cabins and Cozy Cabins. This special is available Sunday-Thursday only and excludes federal holidays. It is not available for Historic Waterfront Cottages. Reservations can be made at dodlodging.net, 1-877-NAVY-BED or 410-3262924/2927.
NRC Solomons Romance in the Air: Feb. 14-17
Whether you’re spending time with a significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day or want to mark ‘Galentine’s’ Day with a friend, enjoy a getaway with a special treat at NRC Solomons.
Book a two-night stay in any NRC Solomons lodging unit at the regular rate and receive a free mylar balloon, box of chocolates, sparkling cider and a late check out. Reservations can be made by calling 410-3262924/2927.
When: April 18
Where: Parade Field Cost: Free
SAVE THE DATE: The Great Hop-pening Mark your calendars for the return of this fun and free spring event featuring an egg hunt, crafts, inflatables and more!
Who: Open to all with base access
Info: Community Recreation Office at 301-342-3648
Now Booking Spring and Summer: Goose Creek Campground
Goose Creek is within walking distance to beach, fishing and crabbing areas at NAS Patuxent River.
The campground features 14 sites with water and electric that can accommodate RVs 30-40 feet and 20 primitive tent/RV sites (no water or electric) that can accommodate a small camper.
Reservations can be made by calling the West Basin Marina at 301-342-3573, online at https://get.dodlodging.net/propertys/Goose-CreekCampgrounds or by contacting the Call Center at 1-877-NAVY-BED.
