NAS Patuxent River
NAS Patuxent River PCS Guide
Military Base History
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Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River) was established in 1943 to centralize and expand U.S. Navy aviation testing during World War II. Its location on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay offered ample space and isolation for flight operations, making it ideal for its mission.
Construction moved rapidly as the Navy consolidated several test activities from other locations, including Anacostia and Norfolk, to Patuxent River. The base quickly became a focal point for aviation innovation.
Throughout World War II and the Cold War, NAS Patuxent River became the Navy's premier site for testing and evaluating new aircraft, weapons, and aviation systems. The base expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, adding runways, hangars, and laboratories to meet growing demands.
Key units stationed at NAS Pax River have included the Naval Air Test Center (now the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division), the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and research and development squadrons. The base played a critical role in testing iconic aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18 Hornet, and P-3 Orion.
Today, NAS Patuxent River remains a vital hub for naval aviation research, development, and acquisition. It supports thousands of military and civilian personnel and continues to drive innovation in aircraft and systems for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The installation has retained its original name since establishment, reflecting its enduring mission and strong regional identity.
Major Units & Training Programs
NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- An F-35 Lightning II test pilot conducts the first flight test to certify the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the fighter aircraft for carrying the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). As part of ongoing weapon integration efforts, the Pax...
Major Units
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
NAWCAD provides full-spectrum research, development, test, evaluation, and sustainment for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, systems, and related technologies. It is the leading organization for naval aviation systems integration and support.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (VX-21)
VX-21 conducts operational test and evaluation of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial systems, to ensure effectiveness and suitability for fleet use. The squadron supports the development and fielding of new aviation capabilities.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20)
VX-20 is responsible for developmental test and evaluation of airborne systems, including sensors and weapons, supporting Navy and Marine Corps aviation. The squadron plays a key role in advancing naval aviation technology.
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS)
USNTPS trains experienced pilots, flight officers, and engineers in the theory and practice of flight test and evaluation. Graduates are equipped to conduct complex test missions on a wide variety of aircraft.
Training Schools
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS)
Overview
Provides advanced instruction in the theory, processes, and techniques of flight test and evaluation for pilots, flight officers, and engineers. The curriculum includes classroom academics, simulator training, and extensive flight operations.
Course Length
11 months
Who Attends
Experienced military pilots, flight officers, and engineers from the U.S. and allied nations
Arrival & In-Processing
PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (Feb. 11,2025) – NAS Patuxent River has authorized a staggered departure by zone Feb. 11, 2025 due to forecasted inclement weather associated with Winter Storm Harlow. NAS Patuxent River will institute an operating status of Restricted Access for All but Mission...
Welcome to NAS Patuxent River! Arriving at a new base is an exciting step, and being well-prepared will make your transition smooth and stress-free. Review these steps carefully to ensure you have everything needed for a successful check-in. For more details, visit the official NAS Patuxent River website.
NAS Patuxent River's main gate is the Gate 1 entrance, located off Route 235. Gate 1 operates 24/7 for all inbound and outbound traffic. Gate 2 and Gate 3 have limited weekday hours and may be closed on weekends or holidays. All personnel and drivers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD credential at the gate. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act—non-compliant IDs require a second approved form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's robust security posture. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, guests should report to the Visitor Control Center for vetting and pass issuance before entering the installation.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
NAS Patuxent River offers a robust sponsor program for incoming personnel. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or command as soon as you receive orders. Your sponsor will help coordinate arrival logistics, answer questions, and provide local insights.
Formal in-processing is conducted at the Welcome Center, Building 409, near the main gate area. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1600. Key steps include check-in with Personnel Support Detachment, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and document readiness.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside Gate 1, adjacent to the main entrance. Hours are Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800, and Saturday, 0800 to 1200. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in DBIDS, and assists with sponsor/guest coordination. All visitors must be vetted and accompanied or sponsored by authorized personnel.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Professional movers unloading empty moving boxes out of their truck to start moving more Soldiers out of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, Sept. 14, 2022 at Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, N.C. Soldiers were given the option to move their own things by a dity move or having movers pack their things up and move it for them.
When you receive PCS orders to NAS Patuxent River, start by reading your orders closely and contacting the base Transportation Office. Next, log in to the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to schedule your move and select your preferred move type—either a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). HHG is the standard government-arranged option, while PPM lets you move your belongings and may allow you to keep some of the allowance if you move for less.
You are entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days when searching for housing, and you may also qualify for a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset relocation costs. Using DPS is essential for tracking your shipment, submitting claims, and accessing official resources. NAS Patuxent River has a busy moving season, so start planning early to secure the best moving dates and housing options. Check the base’s arrival guide for local policies and base-specific contacts.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to help with local guidance.
- Book temporary lodging as soon as you have orders.
- Keep all PCS documents and orders with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Label boxes with your name and destination room.
- Take photos of valuable items before pack-out.
- If you have pets, arrange boarding or pet-friendly lodging in advance.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule and manage your PCS move.
Official DoD rates for TLE, DLA, and other allowances.
Guides, checklists, and support for all move types.
Installation-specific info and contacts for new arrivals.