Patuxent River NAS
Naval Air Station Patuxent Relocation Information
Photo by Naval Air Station Patuxent River Facebook
Welcome to Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River!
Also known as NAS Pax River, this base is situated on the Patuxent River in Maryland. This 14,500-acre duty station overlooks the Chesapeake Bay, consuming miles of its beautiful shoreline. And that means lots of outdoor adventures.
Southern Maryland is home to many historical sites to explore, like historic St. Mary’s City, Sotterley Plantation, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum located on the base. You’ll find endless opportunities to get out on the water by way of a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Navy Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons. And if you don’t already, you may even find yourself enjoying fishing and crabbing. Because if there’s one thing you should do while living in Maryland, it’s crabbing!
Photo by Naval Air Station Patuxent River Facebook
This southern Maryland duty station is 90 miles north of the fleet in Norfolk, 65 miles south of our nation’s capital, and is “where the future of naval aviation begins.” Though almost everything a military family needs is on the main side of the base, there are two annexes: Webster Outlying Field and NRC Solomons (a haven for all things outdoor recreation).
NAS Pax River is home to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This tenant of NAS Pax River employs approximately 35,000 service members, civilians, and contractors to make their mission possible, though they're not all stationed at Pax River. They’re spread out across the nation and overseas.
NAVAIR isn’t all that makes this location home. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) headquarters are here where they research, develop, test, and evaluate fleet support activity for all things aviation related. You’ll also notice the presence of other branches here, as both the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard have a detachment at NAS Pax River.
Frequently Asked Questions about NAS Patuxent River
Photo by The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
1) What is there to do near NAS Pax River?
There are lots of things to do near NAS Pax River! There’s something for everyone here. History buffs can travel back in time, as they venture through historical sites in the area like the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, Sotterley Plantation, and more. Outdoor adventurers can take their explorations out to Calvert Cliffs State Park. And those looking for attractions will enjoy a morning on a charter cruising the Chesapeake or sailing out of Solomons.
2) Is the Patuxent River freshwater or saltwater?
The Patuxent River is one of the three tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. It connects the saltier bay with the freshwater sources fueling it, so the answer depends on where you are. While upriver is freshwater, the closer you get to the mouth (the Chesapeake Bay), the more saltwater you'll find. As NAS Pax River sits at the river's mouth on the Chesapeake Bay, you can expect to see brackish water.
3) Can you swim in the Patuxent River?
Swimming the Patuxent River isn’t always the safest option with the occasional high bacteria levels. However, the summers feel hot, and there’s nothing better than jumping in the water to cool off. So, if you must make a splash, be sure to exercise good hygiene and look for safer spots to get your feet wet.
4) What is the zip code for NAS Patuxent River?
The zip code for NAS Patuxent River is 20670. Nearby zip codes include 20653 and 20619.
5) What is the BAH for NAS Patuxent River?
BAH for NAS Patuxent River ranges from $2,136 for E-1 to $2,613 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,301 for O-1 to $2,871 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Photo by NAS Pax River MWR
Base Location and Information
Located near the tip of the peninsula, it takes over an hour to leave the small-town culture of southern Maryland. Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and Baltimore, though considered the closest cities to NAS Pax River, take about an hour and a half or more to get to. The same goes for the airport. Dulles International and Ronald Reagan International both are between an hour and two hours’ drive away. But, if you're looking for a weekend getaway, a couple of hours doesn't seem too bad when you're ready for the big-city backdrop again.
Most military families stationed at NAS Pax River settle in California, about 8 minutes off base or in Leonardtown, about 20 minutes northwest. Both options offer the small-town feel and community that you might appreciate. Leonardtown is home to a charming downtown area that boasts of art galleries, local eateries, and wineries.
Photo by MilitaryByOwner via Google Maps
Given its close proximity to our nation’s capital, there are a large number of military installations nearby in Maryland and D.C. Expand the search to northern Virginia, and you’ll find even more!
Nearby military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Photo by DODLodging
Arrival lodging for NAS Pax River is handled by the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. They offer a variety of guest rooms and suites, as well as pet-friendly options for military families coming and going aboard base.
Location:
22103 Mandt Rd
Bldg 406
Patuxent River, MD 20670
Contact: 301-994-4048
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NAS Patuxent River Housing
Photo by Liberty Military Housing
Military housing at NAS Pax River is privatized and managed by Liberty Military Housing. Offering six neighborhoods on the base, playgrounds, trails, a host of events, and quick access to base amenities, this community does its best to make a fun and supportive living environment for military families.
Contact: 844-650-6202
For additional questions and information, contact the Family Housing Office at 301-342-3846.
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NAS Patuxent River Off-Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near NAS PAX River: NAS PAX River Homes
Base Search
City Search
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NAS Patuxent River BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
NAS Patuxent River is near California, MD with many options to buy or rent. Some sample NAS Pax River BAH rates for zip code 20670:
- E-1 with dependents: $2,136
- E-1 without dependents: $1,755
- E-9 with dependents: $2,613
- E-9 without dependents: $2,304
- O-1 with dependents: $2,301
- O-1 without dependents: $1,980
- O-7 with dependents: $2,871
- O-7 without dependents: $2,595
Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Nadim Merrikh on Unsplash
Though you’ll find the four seasons are alive and well at NAS Pax River, you’ll also notice that the seasons are a little extreme. For every hot and muggy summer, there’s a cold and windy winter to balance it out. It makes this duty station easy to love as you can spend all summer long out on the water, splashing in the pool, and then cozy up to the fire, roast marshmallows, and build snowmen when it snows.
The biggest natural threat for Southern Maryland? Hurricanes, and with them, flooding. For more information, check out Maryland’s Hurricane Evacuation Guide, where you’ll find helpful information about where to go, what to watch for, what supplies you’ll need, and more.
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NAS Pax River Area Schools
There are no DOD schools located on NAS Pax River. However, you’ll find many educational options for everyone from little preschoolers to adults seeking higher education beyond the gates. School districts in the surrounding area include St. Mary’s Public Schools, Calvert Public Schools, and Charles County Public Schools.
St. Mary’s Public School District:
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Calvert Public Schools:
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Charles County School District:
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If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family. Families interested in homeschooling should follow the Maryland Department of Education homeschool regulations.
For any questions or concerns, you can contact the NAS PAX River School Liaison Office at 301-757-1871.
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Support for Military & Families
Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash
This base isn’t all work and no play. Not only does it provide access to fun activities like golf, water sports, camping, and more at the NRC Solomons, it’s home to a couple of touristy stops as well. Here you’ll find the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, a must-do for all visitors and a valuable learning opportunity for the kids.
Good news for those looking to continue their education: the College of Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s College, and the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center are all nearby NAS Pax River.
Those interested in generating additional income may find the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) helpful. Since the largest employers in the area are NAS Pax River, the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, and a variety of engineering companies, some might consider the local job market narrow.
Some helpful links:
Base Address:
21993 Bundy Road, Building 2090
NAS Patuxent River
,
20670-1132