LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River implemented 100% ID checks at all gates starting at4 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, until further notice, requiring all personnel and visitors to present valid identification for entry. Authorized escorts must ensure their guests and vehicle passengers have a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or Real ID, to access the installation NAS Patuxent River Security Notice.
The enhanced security measure applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field (WOLF), and Navy Recreation Center (NRC) Solomons. All individuals must have their ID cards ready for scanning at entry control points. The three entry gates at NAS Patuxent River, accessible from Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road), include Gate 1 (Pegg Road/Buse Road), Gate 2 (Great Mills Road/Cedar Point Road), and Gate 3 (Hermanville Road/Forest Park Road).
Gate 1 operates 24/7, with three inbound lanes and no outbound lane during the morning rush from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays. It also handles truck inspections and offers CAC/ID services from 6 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Gate 2 is open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, with the Pass Office providing visitor passes, weapons registration, and event scheduling from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays NAS Patuxent River Gate Information. Visitors needing Pass Office services should expect delays of up to two hours and can park at the Frank Knox Building lot near Gate 2. Gate 3 operates from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays and lacks a Pass Office.
Webster Outlying Field’s main gate on Villa Road is open 24/7, but its Pass Office is not operational; passes must be obtained at Gate 2. NRC Solomons’ main gate on Maryland Route 4 is also open 24/7, with passes available only at Gate 2’s Pass Office. For Pass Office inquiries, contact 301-342-3231.
The 100% ID checks aim to enhance base security, ensuring only authorized individuals enter the installation. First-time visitors may find navigation challenging, as all gates are accessed via Maryland Route 235. Landmarks for Gate 1 include nearby office complexes and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Gate 2 is marked by the NAS fence line and businesses, while Gate 3 is 2 miles south of Gate 2 at the Hermanville Road intersection.
During peak hours, Gates 1 and 2 adjust lane configurations to accommodate morning commuters. Gate 1’s CAC/ID Office, located just inside the fence line, supports personnel with identification needs. Gate 2’s Pass Office, critical for visitors without base access, handles essential services but is limited to weekday mornings. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, especially for special events, and arrive early to account for potential delays.
NAS Patuxent River’s security protocols align with Department of Defense standards, emphasizing the importance of valid identification for all personnel and guests. The base, a hub for naval aviation testing, hosts thousands of employees and visitors, making robust security measures essential. The implementation of 100% ID checks reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard the installation and its operations.
Personnel authorized to escort guests must verify that all passengers have valid IDs, reinforcing the base’s commitment to controlled access. The DNR advises visitors to check gate hours and Pass Office availability before arriving, as services vary by location. These measures ensure the safety of NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and NRC Solomons while maintaining operational efficiency.