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LOCATION - Naval Air Station Patuxent River stretches across approximately 12 miles of shoreline at the mouth of the Patuxent River, overlooking the picturesque Chesapeake Bay, 65 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. and 75 miles south of Baltimore. NAS Patuxent River covers more than 13,800 acres, including the Bloodsworth Island Range and the Webster Field Annex, which is located about 15 miles south of the station. Patuxent River is located in Southern Maryland, St Mary's County, the town outside the base gate is Lexington Park.
MISSION - Patuxent River is home to the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division headquarters. NAVAIR's Aircraft Division at Patuxent River (including the Webster Field Annex) is the Navy's full spectrum acquisition, research, development, test, evaluation and engineering and fleet support activity for manned and unmanned aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft support systems and ship/shore/air operations.
NAS Patuxent River falls under the command of Naval District Washington. Naval District Washington is one of ten regions reporting to the shore installation management command, called Commander, Navy Installations. Headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard, Naval District Washington is the regional provider of common operating support to twenty Navy installations, including Naval Air Station Patuxent River, within a one hundred mile radius of the Pentagon. Naval District Washington is also known as the Quarterdeck of the Navy.
With more than 165,000 air operations annually, activities at Patuxent River fly 140 aircraft (type/model/series) over 780 restricted and 5,000 controlled square miles. The RDT&E capability ranges from concepts analysis and procurement to flight testing and support equipment. Patuxent River has five runways and 935 buildings with an estimated plant value of $2.0 billion.
POPULATION SERVED - The Navy has become the largest employer in the community. More than 20,000 people are employed on the station. This work force includes approximately 3,000 active-duty service members, 7,800 civil service employees, 9,000 defense contractor employees, and 400 non-appropriated-fund employees. In addition, the station services approximately 4,500 military family members.
In addition to bringing a larger work force to Southern Maryland, the station has expanded facilities in recent years. During the last two decades, the station has grown to include a manned flight simulator, a large aircraft anechoic chamber, the Capt. Steven A. Hazelrigg Flight Test Facility, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School academic building and a pool facility at the Aviation Survival Training Center.
These new facilities have significantly improved aviation safety and the quality of naval aviation products. With the consolidated work force and expanded facilities, Naval Air Station Patuxent River is where the future of naval aviation begins.
SPONSORSHIP - If you have orders to Patuxent River, you will need a sponsor who can assist you with your needs. To ensure a sponsor is assigned, call your command. Consistent communication with your sponsor prior to moving here will make your relocation much easier.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS - Housing options are limited. Visitors Quarters (VQ) information at 301.995.3601, building 406. Please insure that you have researched your options prior to arrival. Check with the Housing Welcome Center at 301-342-3847 for their housing and rental listings and apply for base housing if possible.
TRANSPORTATION - There are no commercial bus, railroad or air service to our area. If you are flying here, you will land in the D.C. area or Baltimore (all airports are at least 1.5 hours from the base). There is a base shuttle two times a day to/from Ronald Reagan National Airport, but you MUST contact our Transportation Office at 301-342-5088/DSN 342-5088 for information and to make reservations. If they do not know of anyone coming in, the Transportation Office may not have the van stop. Also you can contact your command and/or sponsor for a possible pick-up.
There are also several local shuttle services that will take you to and from Union Station (AMTRAK) and all the area airports; Dulles, Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Ronald Reagan National. Call C'Agnes Transportation at 301-994-0773. Martin's Airport Shuttle Service at 301-373-4407 / 240-298-7592 / gomassinc@aol.com. Smart Ride Inc. at 410-535-6932 for reservation and fees.