The Navy's aircraft and flight systems have been tested and evaluated at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station since WWII. The Museum is the only naval museum dedicated to aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation. Interior exhibits include a propulsion display, unmanned aerial vehicles (including a full-scale mock-up of the X-47A Pegasus unmanned combat air vehicle), crew system artifacts, ejection seats, radars, and test instrumentation. An outdoor aircraft park displays 21 naval aircraft and features both the X-32B and X-35C Joint Strike Fighter concept demonstrators tested at Pax River.

Fly Mach Combat simulators and take guided tours of the Naval Air Museum. Children's educational activities are available by advance arrangement. You'll also find the St. Mary's County Visitor Center for county, regional, and state travel information at this location.

War of 1812

The first naval skirmish in Maryland between the British Navy and the Chesapeake Flotilla took place off of Cedar Point on June 1, 1814. Cedar Point is now part of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and is not accessible to the general public, but you can learn about the battle at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum where you'll find a wayside marker and an indoor exhibit.

Museum Flightline Gift Shop

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum & Visitor Center gift shop features the largest selection of aviation merchandise in the tri-county area including books, aviation prints, classic aircraft, and die-cast models, sew-on patches, and more.