Cnic // Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Installation Information

in beautiful St. Mary’s County, Md., Naval Air Station Patuxent River overlooks the picturesque Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. Approximately 90 miles from the fleet at Norfolk, Va., the station, affectionately known as “Pax River,” was commissioned in April 1943 and has since evolved into the center of excellence for naval aviation.

With the consolidation, integration and collocation that has occurred throughout the last decade, Pax River now hosts the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), which provide the full spectrum of acquisition management, research and development capabilities, air and ground test and evaluation, aircraft logistics and maintenance management. This distinctive synergy supports land-based and maritime aircraft and engineering, test, evaluation, integration, and life cycle support for ship/shore electronics. These combined capabilities are unique within the Department of Defense and ensure Pax River’s status as an aviation leader working effectively to continue progress into the 21st century.

The naval air station complex includes Webster Outlying Field, Naval Recreation Center Solomons and Bloodsworth Island Range and provides office space for the NAVAIR, NAWCAD and more than 50 tenant activities. Pax River’s mission is to maintain and operate facilities and provide services and materials to support operations of NAWCAD, and other activities and units as designated by appropriate authority.