NAS PATUXENT RIVER
NAVY
Lexington Park, MD
United States
NAS PATUXENT RIVER
NAVY
Lexington Park, MD
United States
NAS Patuxent River
Base Essentials
Home of Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Test Pilot School on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland — a technical acquisition and test posting with waterfront access and strong ties to the DC career market.
Base Details
Type
Naval Station
Branch
NAVY
Command
CNIC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
6,800
Active Duty
3,000
Civilian
5,000
Population
115,000
Economic Impact
$3.5 billion
NAS Patuxent River History
Naval Air Station Patuxent River in southern Maryland was established in 1943 as the Navy's center for aircraft testing and evaluation. It is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, where virtually every naval aircraft undergoes developmental testing. The installation also houses the Naval Air Systems Command headquarters, which manages the Navy's aviation programs. Pax River is to naval aviation what Edwards AFB is to the Air Force — the place where new aircraft prove themselves.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
—
—
Naval Air Systems Command (HQ)
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for NAS Patuxent River.
NAS Patuxent River Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for NAS Patuxent River.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from NAS Patuxent River.
Information
NAS Patuxent River Schools: Daycare - High School
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20 of the Best NAS Patuxent River Restaurants
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Naval Air Station Patuxent River: In-Depth Welcome Center
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27 Things To Do in Patuxent River, MD, Near Base
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NAS Pax River Housing: 6 On-Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to NAS Patuxent River.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
NAS Patuxent River — Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)
Phone
(301) 342-3336Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Sailors, Marines, and civilians arriving at NAS Patuxent River report to their gaining command or organization during duty hours. NAS Pax River is the Navy's premier naval aviation systems command installation, hosting NAVAIR headquarters, the Naval Test Wing Atlantic, and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) units. The command administrative office initiates check-in and coordinates all in-processing appointments.
In-processing covers PSD for pay and records, medical enrollment at the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, housing coordination, and base orientation. The FFSC at (301) 342-3336 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation, which covers the Patuxent River/Southern Maryland area — an increasingly popular and increasingly expensive housing market due to proximity to Washington, D.C.
NAS Patuxent River is located on the Chesapeake Bay in Southern Maryland, approximately 65 miles south of Washington, D.C. The area offers excellent water access (boating, fishing, crabbing), a strong military community, and proximity to both D.C. and Annapolis. Housing costs have risen significantly as the installation has grown.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for NAS Patuxent River.
On-post family housing at NAS Patuxent River is managed by Lincoln Military Housing. The Solomons Island Communities offer 2–4 bedroom homes convenient to the flight test mission. Given Pax River's location on the St. Mary's County peninsula, on-post housing is especially popular — the surrounding rural area limits off-post options. NAS Patuxent River is located on…
Local Market
$1,900/mo
rent
/
$400,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around NAS Patuxent River
110
10% Above National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near NAS Patuxent River.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
3
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
NAS Patuxent River is the Navy's premier flight test center, located at the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Pax River draws a highly educated naval aviation and civilian engineering workforce. The Chesapeake Bay lifestyle — sailing, crabbing, and waterfront dining — defines life here. Washington, D.C. is 65 miles north, accessible for cultural and government connections.
Lexington Park
Small Town
The community that grew up around NAS Pax River, Lexington Park provides the most convenient daily commute and a large inventory of military-oriented rentals and homes. St. Mary's County Public Schools serve the area. The Lexington Park neighborhood has improved considerably, and the Great Mills corridor has extensive retail. For families on shorter tours or who prioritize commute over community character, Lexington Park is the practical choice.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: St. Mary's County Public Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Right at Pax River gate, best rental market, St. Mary's County schools, commissary on post, Patuxent River crabbing
California / Mechanicsville
Suburban
Unincorporated communities in St. Mary's County that have grown as suburban alternatives to Lexington Park, California and Mechanicsville offer newer single-family homes, less dense character, and access to the same St. Mary's County school system. Leonardtown (the county seat) is a short drive and has a genuine historic small-town character with restaurants and a waterfront. The Chesapeake Bay is within minutes.
Commute: 15 min
Schools: St. Mary's County Public Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
Outdoorsy types
More suburban than Lexington Park, same school district, Leonardtown waterfront and dining, St. Mary's College of MD nearby
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at NAS Patuxent River.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Partially exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Maryland provides a deduction for active duty military pay for Maryland legal residents: up to $15,000 for members under…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside Maryland for Maryland income tax purposes — incl…
Vehicle Registration
Maryland charges a 6% excise tax on vehicle purchases (titling tax). Military members who are not Maryland legal residen…
Property Tax
Maryland property taxes include a state rate plus county rates. Anne Arundel County (Fort Meade), Harford County (Aberde…
Pet Policies at NAS Patuxent River
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at NAS Patuxent River.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at NAS Patuxent River.
Commissary
1
Patuxent River NAS Commissary
Exchange
NEX
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun & Holidays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NAS Patuxent River.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 1 (Main Gate, Buse Road) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for NAS Patuxent River.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near NAS Patuxent River.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.