About this Unit
Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River), established in April 1943 in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, quickly became a vital center for naval aviation testing and development during World War II. Its strategic location allowed for secure and expansive test ranges, accelerating the advancement of aircraft and flight systems for the U.S. Navy. Over the decades, NAS Patuxent River has served as the headquarters for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and hosts the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, supporting cutting-edge aviation research, development, and training. Today, the base remains a cornerstone of naval aviation innovation, playing a crucial role in testing new aircraft and technology for the fleet.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River) was commissioned on April 1, 1943, in response to the U.S. Navy’s urgent need for a facility dedicated to aircraft testing and evaluation during World War II.
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Strategic Location: The base was constructed at the confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, selected for its remote setting, which provided security and minimized risks to surrounding communities during aircraft testing.
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Birthplace of Naval Aviation Testing: NAS Patuxent River quickly evolved into the Navy’s primary site for aviation research, development, test, and evaluation, earning the nickname “The Naval Test Center.”
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Home to Test Pilot School: The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, founded in 1945, is based at Pax River and has trained generations of Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and international test pilots—including astronauts such as Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
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Development of Iconic Aircraft: Numerous legendary aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, and P-3 Orion, underwent critical testing and acceptance flights at NAS Patuxent River.
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Women in Flight: In 1973, the first female naval aviators earned their wings at Pax River, paving the way for greater gender integration in naval aviation.
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Support for NASA: NAS Patuxent River has provided aircraft and support for NASA missions, including recovery operations for astronauts returning from space.
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Environmental Stewardship: The base encompasses over 14,500 acres, much of which is preserved as wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats, balancing military operations with environmental conservation.
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Role in Unmanned Aviation: Pax River is at the forefront of testing and developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including the Navy’s MQ-4C Triton and MQ-8 Fire Scout programs.
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Community and Economic Impact: As one of the largest employers in Southern Maryland, NAS Patuxent River significantly contributes to the local economy and maintains strong partnerships with the surrounding communities.
