When you move to this area, you will quickly discover the joys of living near the water. Boating, fishing, crabbing, and swimming will surely top your list of enjoyable activities.
MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION (MWR) offers activities and services to Patuxent River Naval Air Station active duty, retired military, DoD civilian personnel and their family members. These services form a web of activities which include athletics, dining and entertainment, plus much more. MWR's sole purpose is to enhance the lives of those stationed in and around Patuxent River by providing a variety of programs, events, services, and facilities to meet the expectation of all who participate.
At the Drill Hall you will find basketball courts, a bowling center, three fitness centers, free weights, gear issue, an indoor pool, racquetball, and volleyball. The Liberty Program (located in the Recreation Office/Drill Hall), coordinated by Michele Kessler (301-757-1394/DSN 757-1394), is dedicated to providing entertainment and trips for active duty military, E1-E5, for free or at a discount. Ticket Master and Information, Tickets, and Tours are also there.
MWR also provides a variety of clubs, dining facilities, a Child Development Center, Veterinary Treatment Facility, outdoor recreation areas, pools, a summer day camp, wood and auto hobby shops, a movie theater, a marina, a group exercise center, and even an 18 hole golf course. Lil Eva's, an All Hands Recreation Center, and Cyber Zone are open at Pax Landing Restaurant.
Check out the MWR website for further information.
The Morale, Welfare & Recreation Department (MWR) at Patuxent River hosts activities for children and teens. Recreation, particularly outdoor recreation, is the name of the game in Southern Maryland. There are two swimming pools at Pax, including an Olympic size outdoor pool. The Drill Hall is the site of an array of sports and fitness facilities. During the summer, children (and their parents!) eagerly await startup of the Mattapany Day Camp, which hosts activities that include swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts & crafts, games, sports, and field trips. The Rassieur Youth Center at Pax offers activities and programs specifically geared toward youths, including games (air hockey, Ping-Pong, billiards, cards, and board games), cooking classes, arts & crafts, and excursions to fun places.
The Beach House, on base, is a popular picnic area that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. This facility has outdoor pavilion seating areas, a kitchen facility, barbecue grills, a softball field, and a horseshoe pit.
If you are planning to go fishing on the base, you will need a state license and a base license. The base license may be purchased from MWR or the Command Duty Office for $5.00. Crabbing on base also requires a license.
The Navy Recreation Center, Solomons is located in Calvert County. This recreation area has lodging and camping facilities, swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, cycling, and tennis.
Your religious needs are taken care of very well at the ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC/PROTESTANT CHAPEL on base, a truly beautiful and historical place of worship. You will find a variety of opportunities for worship, Bible study, fellowship and service. On Sunday mornings there are both Catholic (8:00 AM & 9:30 AM) and Protestant (11:00 AM) services with free child care available. CCD and Sunday School, with age graded classes, and Children's Church/Choir are held weekly. On Wednesday evening there is choir rehearsal for the Protestant choir. Catholic Mass is celebrated every day at 11:35 A.M. The Base Chapel offers other special activities and studies throughout the year, including special worship services during religious holidays.
The station chaplains offer pastoral counseling for all station personnel and their dependents including individual, marital, premarital, and religious counseling.
Do not forget to check out all of the wonderful no cost seminars at the FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER. The Welcome to Pax class should be one of your first activities so you know what to do and how to have fun in the area.
There are many events for the enjoyment of all from the Army-Navy Parade to the biannual air show. So come and enjoy our wonderful base.