Senator Barbara A. Mikulski visited Patuxent River Naval Air Station today on the third stop of her statewide military innovation tour. Senator Mikulski announced that she has secured more than $10 million in federal funding for Pax River. The funds will support new and innovative ways to apply existing technology and resources at Pax River, ensuring its vitality and importance to the U.S. Navy's mission today and tomorrow.
"A stronger America begins at home. Pax River is crucial to national security and I'm so proud to announce that I have fought for key funding to help keep America safe," said Senator Mikulski. "These federal investments will make our Navy smarter, our country safer and our economy stronger."
Senator Mikulski announced federal funding for three key projects at Pax River:
- $5.8 million to build a test facility for a multi-mission Maritime Aircraft. The new anti-submarine and surveillance aircraft will support 350 jobs at Pax River and contribute $21 million a year to Southern Maryland's economy
- $2 million to integrate research, development, testing and evaluation resources at Pax River that will combine new computer technology with existing ranges and testing facilities to increase Fleet Readiness and enhance war fighter capabilities
- $3 million for Joint Aviation Technical Data Integration to create a user-friendly, web-based knowledge resource for obtaining accurate, up-to-date weapons system maintenance and repair information
The Senator will visit more than a dozen military facilities on her military innovation tour of Maryland, where she is addressing the development of smarter tools for our military, new jobs for the state and innovative technology that will protect our troops.