About this Unit
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, was commissioned on April 1, 1943, to centralize U.S. Navy aviation testing during World War II. The station quickly became a hub for flight testing, evaluation, and development of naval aircraft and weapons. Over the decades, NAS Patuxent River has played a vital role in advancing naval aviation technology, including supporting the testing of the F/A-18 Hornet and the development of unmanned aerial systems. Today, it remains a premier site for research, development, testing, and evaluation, supporting the U.S. Navy’s mission worldwide.
Historical Facts
•
Birth During World War II: Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River) was officially commissioned on April 1, 1943, in response to the urgent need for a dedicated site for testing experimental aircraft during World War II.
•
Strategic Location: The site was chosen for its isolated location on a peninsula in southern Maryland, surrounded by the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, which provided natural security and ample overwater test areas.
•
Home of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School: NAS Pax River is home to the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where aviators and engineers from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, NASA, and allied nations are trained to become test pilots and flight test engineers.
•
Birthplace of Modern Naval Aviation: Many advancements in naval aviation, including carrier-based aircraft and the development of advanced flight technologies, have their roots at Pax River.
•
Testing of Iconic Aircraft: Aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye, and V-22 Osprey underwent extensive flight testing and development at the station.
•
Support for Space Exploration: NAS Pax River played a role in the early days of the U.S. space program, supporting Project Mercury and Gemini by providing recovery and tracking support for returning astronauts.
•
Large and Diverse Workforce: The base employs around 20,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel, making it one of the largest employers in Southern Maryland.
•
Historic Land Acquisition: Over 6,400 acres of land were acquired rapidly in 1942, displacing entire communities, including farms, homes, and a church, to build the air station.
•
“Test Wing Atlantic”: NAS Pax River serves as the headquarters for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and houses the Air Test Wing Atlantic, making it the primary site for testing and evaluating new naval aviation systems.
•
Community Engagement: The base has a long history of partnership with the local community, hosting air shows, educational outreach, and historical commemorations, and remains a key economic and cultural fixture in the region.
