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Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Guide

Kena Sosa

Naval Air Station Patuxent River is found in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, within a short journey from Baltimore and Washington D.C. The largest employer in the area, the Navy supports the community with over 20,000 jobs in the region for military service personnel and civilians.

In an area home to about 110,000 people, the facility employs 2,400 active-duty personnel to manage air and sea operations and their families.  Learn more about NAS Patuxent River, including information on base housing, education, child care, and the surrounding area.

NAS Patuxent River Contacts

22268 Cedar Point Road
Bldg. 409
NAS Patuxent River, MD 20670-1132
(301) 342-3000

• Adult Education Center (833) 330-6622
• Barracks/Single Service Member Housing (301) 995-2754
• Child Development Center (301) 342-3636
• Commissary (301) 342-3789
• Housing Office (301) 342-3846
• ID/CAC Card Processing (301) 342-1054
• School Age Care (855) 696-2934
• School Liaison (301) 342-4911
• Temporary Lodging/Billeting (301) 737-2400
• Welcome Center (301) 342-3231
• Youth Programs (301) 342-1694

Surrounding Area NAS Patuxent River

St Mary’s County and the Patuxent River provide the landscape along the shore for the NAS facility. Stretching for twelve miles, the river offers camera-worthy views of Chesapeake Bay and access within an hour or two drive to Washington D.C., and Baltimore. The site is also near Lexington Park in Maryland, offering various recreational options for single service members and families. Some nearby options for things to do include:

• Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
• Patuxent River State Park
• Greenwell State Park
• Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park
• Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park
• Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
• Robinson Nature Center
• Sotterly Historic Plantation
• “On Watch” Monument

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Mission and Units

The Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division headquarters both call Patuxent River their base. NAS Patuxent River’s mission encompasses research, testing development, and support activities for 140 different types of aircraft, avionics, and ship and shore operations.

Managing flights over 5,000 square miles, NAS Patuxent is responsible for more than 160,000 operations every year, reporting to the Naval District Washington and serving as the hub for the region. Major units housed and operated at NAS Patuxent River include:

• AIMD/FRC
• HX-21
• Marine Aviation
• NAS
• NAWCAD
• Naval Air Systems Command/ NAVAIR
• Naval Medical Clinic
• Personnel Support Activity Support Detachment
• Test Pilot School (TPS)
• VQ-4
• VX-1
• VX-20
• VX-23
• Scientific Development Squadron

In-Processing and Check-In

Immediately upon arrival, service members should check in with the Command Duty Office or command check-in point with stamped orders, service records, travel receipts, and identification in hand.

You will complete your Servicemembers Group Life Insurance form and all travel-related reimbursement paperwork at check-in.

At this stage, you should get help from your sponsor to help you learn your way around the base and lead you to the departments that will help you adjust to your new location. You must also get your ID in Building 409 (Naval Air Station Administration) on Cedar Point Road.

Child Care

Fortunately for those living in the NAS Patuxent River, there are many childcare options for service-member families with children ages six weeks to five years old. Locally, there are two child development centers, school-age care, and teen center facilities. The two Child Development Centers are accredited and offer developmentally appropriate activities that challenge children socially, emotionally, and physically and help prepare them for the skills they will need in school.

Parent fees are based on total family income. Look into securing a spot for your child in advance, and have ready birth certificates, proof of address, parent identification, proof of income, and child immunization records.

If Child Development Centers are not the right choice for your family, Child Development Homes offer care for children ages six weeks through five years old in approved home daycares with licensed care providers in residential areas.

To register or for questions, call:

• Child Development Center Bldg. 2030 Director (301)342-7637
• Child Development Center Bldg. 2813 Director (301) 342-1373
• Child Development Homes Coordinator (301) 342-3960
• School Age Program and Youth Center (301) 342-1694
• Teen Coordinator (301) 995-4177

Housing for NAS Patuxent River

Naval Air Station Patuxent has over 700 housing units for service members’ families. During peak times, families can wait up to three months for housing availability, but this can fluctuate so it is recommended to check in with the Housing Office before arrival for wait times and types of home availability.

The Housing Office will also be your go-to site for potential housing issues with leases, complaints, and relocation. As a general rule, renters should secure renters insurance.

Some military service members may opt to live off base. For off-base housing, be prepared to need a security deposit and fees. Some housing options offer the Rental Partnership Program for military service members which may help lower rents. The Housing Office can be reached at (301) 342-3846.

Related: Basic Allowance for Housing Calculator

Commissary

22155 Cuddihy Rd, Building 2173
Patuxent River, MD 20670
(301) 342-3789

The NAS Patuxent River Commissary offers in-person and online shopping options and is open seven days a week. Standard grocery staples and fresh arrivals can meet your needs at the commissary. Call ahead for special orders for home and events to order pastries, party trays, and even cheese or pepperoni pizza.

Call ahead for special orders and options to any of the following extensions: Meat Department Ext. 3007, Produce Department Ext 3008, Customer Service Desk Ext. 3112, Deli/Bakery Manager Ext. 3027.

The Commissary is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PCS and TDY Lodging

For those needing temporary lodgings upon arrival, most will stay at the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites or the Navy Lodge. After check-in and processing you will be directed to one of these two temporary lodging facilities.

Bring your orders and ID, and a clerk will assign you a room. Lodging arrangements should be made by calling the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites at (301) 342-3601. The Navy Lodge is on base and can be reached for reservations or questions at (301) 737-2400.

For Permanent Change of Station, you will likely be assigned to billeting instead of temporary lodgings. This will be determined at check-in and in-processing if not in advance. If there is no availability for lodging at NGIS or the Navy Lodge, get a Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA), which will then allow you to find other temporary lodging off-base. If arriving with pets, inquire which facilities will be pet-friendly and allow pets to stay, including if there are restrictions against certain breeds. Expect to pay extra fees or deposits for pets.

Transportation

The closest airport to NAS Patuxent River is Baltimore Washington International Airport, located near the Washington D.C. area. This airport is located about an hour and a half from the base.

At the airport, you can use a local shuttle to transport you to the AMTRAK Union Station or Saint Mary’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation services. Finally, you can reserve a taxi for the rest of the way but expect a high price tag, potentially around $150.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

When relocating to Maryland, you may need to update your vehicle registration within 30 days. Maryland requires a minimum liability insurance policy to drive on and off base.

The insurance requirement includes cars, vans, trailers, motorcycles, and boats will need to be insured as well. A valid driver’s license will also be required. As these processes can take time, make arrangements to register your vehicle and transfer your driver’s license upon arrival.

Schools

No DoD elementary through high school campuses are on base at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Young learners must be enrolled in schools in nearby Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s Counties. The St. Mary’s district may be the closest for those who live on Pax River. Bus service is available for those living a certain distance from campus.

School Liaison Officers can help parents and guardians choose the right school for their children. Contact the School Liaison Officer at (301) 757-1871. For those who prefer private school options and opportunities to homeschool are nearby. Schools in the area include but are not limited to:

• George W. Carver
• Green Holly
• Leonardtown
• Mechanicsville
• Park Hall
• Appeal
• Beach
• Dowell
• Huntingtown
• Patuxent
• Plum Point
• Windy Hill
• William A. Diggs
• Malcolm
• T.C. Martin
• J.C. Parks
• Eva Turner
• Great Mills
• Calvert
• Northern
• La Plata
• St. Charles
• Esperanza
• Matthew Hanson
• Mattawoman
• Career & Technology Academy
• F. B. Gwynn Educational Center (Special Education Programs)

Colleges and Universities

There is currently no on-site, in-person facility for higher learning at NAS Patuxent River.

Potential learners can find the necessary information using the Navy Virtual Education Center. However, some nearby colleges and universities offer online and in-person classes for those who want to further their education.

Colleges and Universities within proximity to NAS Patuxent River include:

• College of Southern Maryland (301) 934-2251
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (301) 863-8776
• Florida Institute of Technology, Southern Maryland (301) 737-2500 x 214
• Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (301)737-2500
• St. Mary’s College of Maryland (240) 895-2000
• University of Maryland Global Campus (301) 737-3228

Related: Ultimate GI Bill Guide

NAS Patuxent River History

World War II brought changes to civilian and military life worldwide, including to naval aviation. The need for a new site near Washington D.C., but with enough space to not endanger the capitol, became clear in the 1940’s.

Thus, a site at Cedar Point, Maryland, was founded and established as Naval Air Station Patuxent River in April 1943 to centralize and consolidate the numerous local air testing missions.

Within a short time in 1943, the site was already conducting radio and flight tests and supporting experimental missions, including the test flight of the first fully jet-powered XP-59A in 1944. By 1949, test pilots were using ejection seats and simulated angled decks.

The Korean War in the 1950s heightened these efforts in the rapid development of the aviation industry with the Tactical Test Division. By 1961, Alan Shepard had gone to space, pushing for test pilots from Patuxent River to be the first Americans in orbit around the Earth.

A restructuring of the site occurred in 1975, solidifying the site’s importance in testing and development, making room for the NAWC Aircraft Division to be inaugurated in 1992. NAS Patuxent River participated in the Triton program in 2013, true to its mission to push for innovation and development in naval aviation nationwide.

Today, NAS Patuxent River supports Navy operations within a 100-mile radius of the Pentagon.

Related: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases and VA and Veteran Facilities in Maryland

Find a listing of military bases, VA resources and veteran facilities in the state of Maryland.  Maryland has more than 100,000 active duty service members, Reservists, National Guard, and dependents.

According to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 360,000 veterans here, with over 7% of all Maryland adults claiming veteran status. The military community here contributes greatly to the economy; Maryland was once listed as the 4th largest state for defense spending.

If you are traveling to Maryland on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator. You can also look up veteran benefits in Maryland.

Joint Bases in Maryland

• Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility Washington

Army Bases in Maryland

• Aberdeen Proving Ground
• Fort Detrick
• Fort George G. Meade
• U.S. Army Recruiting 1st Medical Recruiting Battalion
• U.S. Army Recruiting Baltimore Battalion

Did you know? The State of Maryland assists veterans in understanding or claiming veteran disability benefits, and offers related veteran service office-type help. The Maryland Service and Benefits Program offers “representation for veterans and dependents seeking USDVA benefits.” Call 800-446-4926, ext 645 for more information or to get started.

Navy Bases in Maryland

• Naval Air Station Patuxent River
• Naval Support Activity Annapolis – U.S. Naval Academy
• Naval Support Activity Bethesda Home of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• Naval Support Facility Indian Head

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities in Maryland

Loch Raven VA Medical Center

3901 The Alameda
Baltimore, MD 21218-2100
410-605-7650
Mental health: 410-605-7000 x5397

Baltimore VA Medical Center

10 North Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-1524
410-605-7000
Mental health: 410-605-7000 x57360

Baltimore VA Clinic

209 West Fayette Street
Community Resource & Referral Center (CRRC)
Baltimore, MD 21201-3403
410-605-7000

Eastern Baltimore County VA Clinic

5235 King Avenue
Franklin Square Professional Center
Suite 200
Rosedale, MD 21237-4068
443-730-2020
Mental health: 443-690-6939

Glen Burnie VA Clinic

808 Landmark Drive
Suite 128
Glen Burnie, MD 21061-4983
410-590-4140
Mental health: 410-590-4140 x64248

Fort Meade VA Clinic

2479 5th Street
Suite 5138
Fort Meade, MD 20755
410-305-5300
Mental health: 410-305-5300 x5323

Fort Detrick VA Clinic

1433 Porter Street
Building 1433
Frederick, MD 21702-9211
800-817-3807
Mental health: 800-817-3807

Montgomery County VA Clinic

15810 Gaither Drive
Shady Grove Development Park
Suite 130
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-1429
301-591-5858
Mental health: 301-591-5858

Baltimore VA Regional Benefit Office

31 Hopkins Plaza
Floors G, 1, 2, 3, and 12
Baltimore, MD 21201
800-827-1000

Pre-Discharge Site at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

8901 Wisconsin Ave
Bldg 11, Room 226
Bethesda, MD 20889
800-827-1000

Pre-Discharge Site at Andrews Air Force Base

Airman & Family Readiness Center, 316 MSS/DPF
Andrews Air Force, MD 20762
800-827-1131

Baltimore VA Regional Benefit Office

31 Hopkins Plaza
Floors G, 1, 2, 3, and 12
Baltimore, MD 21201
800-827-1000

Pre-Discharge Site at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

8901 Wisconsin Ave
Bldg 11, Room 226
Bethesda, MD 20889
800-827-1000

Pre-Discharge Site at Andrews Air Force Base

Airman & Family Readiness Center, 316 MSS/DPF
Andrews Air Force, MD 20762
800-827-1131

Vet Centers in Maryland

Baltimore Vet Center

1777 Reisterstown Road
Suite 199
Baltimore, MD 21208
410-764-9400
B23.5 miles

Dundalk Vet Center

1553 Merritt Boulevard
Dundalk, MD 21222
410-282-6144

Silver Spring Vet Center

2900 Linden Lane
Suite 100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-589-1073

Aberdeen Vet Center Outstation

223 West Bel Air Ave on Law Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-272-6771

Annapolis Vet Center

100 Annapolis Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-605-7826

Prince George’s County Vet Center

7905 Malcolm Road
Suite 101
Clinton, MD 20735-1734
301-856-7173

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States:

• Fort Novosel, Alabama
• Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
• Naval Air Station Kingsville
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado

Please review our complete list of Military Bases by State.