Takes Leaders on Tour to See Completion of ASIL Project at Pax River
ST. MARY'S COUNTY, MD - Congressman Steny Hoyer today met with the leaders of the Patuxent Partnership, a consortium of more than 250 companies involved in technology-led business development; the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, an organization of defense contractors and others who support the base; and the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the upcoming BRAC in 2005 and their plans for working together. Following the meeting, Congressman Hoyer invited the Navy Alliance members to join him on a tour of the completed ASIL project at Pax River.
"I continue to appreciate the opportunity to meet with our local leaders working to secure the future of Pax River, Indian Head and St. Inigoes, and to hear how they plan to cooperate to best position our community for the upcoming BRAC," said Congressman Hoyer. "The work being done by the Navy Alliance, the Pax Partnership and the Chamber is critically important to our region's community and business leaders and elected officials to help us focus, organize and be ready. These three organizations provide us with the information we need to actively prepare as we move ahead and our meeting today supports a long history of cooperation that I am pleased to see continue."
Following the meeting, Congressman Hoyer took the members of the Navy Alliance on a tour of the new Advanced Systems Integration Laboratory at the Large Anechoic Chamber at Pax River. This Large Anechoic (or anti-echo) Chamber enables radio frequency testing of large aircraft such as the E-6B and the B-2 at Pax River. Working closely with the Navy Alliance, Hoyer was successful in securing the $40 million to build the Large Anechoic Chamber facility.
"The addition of the laboratories to the Chamber completes this important project which adds a unique world-class capability to Pax. The Large Chamber has been functional since the mid 1990s, but mobile lab facilities had to be used to support testing inside the Chamber - the completion of the Advanced Systems Integration Laboratory provides permanent labs in the Large Chamber. The military construction funding we were able to secure for these projects demonstrates a recognition by the U.S. Navy and the Congress that the talented engineers at Pax have the experience and expertise to be trusted with the development of our nation's most advanced naval aircraft. This project will further enhance the overall capabilities at Pax River and keep it at the forefront of aviation testing by increasing the safety and efficiency of our military operations."
Congressman Hoyer remains focused on working with National and Local leaders to ensure that Pax River, St. Inigoes and Indian Head are well prepared for the upcoming BRAC in 2005. In June, Congressman Hoyer met with business and community leaders from throughout Southern Maryland to talk about the BRAC and the success of Pax River, Indian Head and St. Inigoes. Additionally, Rep. Hoyer has visited the Pentagon several times this year to meet with key decision makers to discuss the military installations he represents and to ensure that the Pentagon is well aware of the high quality work being done at Southern Maryland's defense installations and the vital role they play in keeping our homeland safe and secure.