Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Md.

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, known as "Pax," was commissioned in 1943. It has since evolved into the center of excellence for naval aviation. With the consolidation, integration and collocation that has occurred throughout this decade, Pax River now hosts the full spectrum of acquisition management, research and development capabilities, air and ground test and evaluation (T&E), aircraft logistics and maintenance management. This distinctive synergy supports land based and maritime aircraft and engineering, T&E, integration, and life cycle support for ship/shore electronics. These combined capabilities are unique within the Department of Defense and ensure Patuxent River's status as an aviation leader working effectively to continue progress into the 21st century.

The Naval Air Station complex includes the Webster Field Annex and Bloodsworth Island. The complex provides office space for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and approximately 50 tenant activities.

With the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) consolidations of 1991, 1993 and 1995 completed in 1998, nearly 19,100 people now work in support of the complex.