PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – On July 17, 2025, Naval Air Station Patuxent River held a change of command ceremony, marking the transition from Capt. Douglas Burfield to Capt. Mark Zematis as commanding officer. The event also celebrated Burfield’s retirement after 27 years of naval service. Held at the air station, the ceremony underscored the leadership continuity and mission focus of NAS Patuxent River, a critical hub for naval aviation research and testing.
Capt. Mark Zematis, a native of Barkhamsted, Connecticut, assumed command of NAS Patuxent River under the Navy’s Fleet-Up program. Having served as the base’s executive officer since January 2024, Zematis’ transition to commanding officer ensures leadership stability, as outlined in OPNAVINST 1412.14. This program allows executive officers to serve approximately 18 months before advancing to commanding officer, leveraging prior experience to maintain operational consistency at NAS Patuxent River.
Zematis, a 2000 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering, also holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His career includes operational assignments with Patrol Squadron FIVE, Carrier Strike Group NINE, Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN, and command of Patrol Squadron FOUR FIVE, with deployments across Sicily, Iceland, and Puerto Rico. Shore duties included roles at Patrol Squadron THIRTY, the US Pacific Command’s Operations Directorate, and the Air Warfare Division.
In his remarks, Zematis praised his predecessor’s leadership. “To my predecessor Doug, AKA ‘Flanders,’ thank you for your outstanding leadership, and the exceptional example you set during your tenure as commanding officer,” Zematis said. “You led with humility, always putting the welfare of people first, while keeping the command laser-focused on the mission. Your legacy of excellence provides a strong foundation on which we’ll build.”
Capt. Douglas Burfield’s tenure as commanding officer was marked by significant achievements, earning NAS Patuxent River nominations for the Naval District Washington Installation Excellence Award in 2023 and 2024. Rear Adm. David Faehnle, Commandant of Naval District Washington, presented Burfield with the Legion of Merit, citing his leadership in enhancing safety, security, and operational efficiency.
“Under his command, Pax River was nominated every year for the region Installation Excellence Award; that kind of consistency reflects not just great leadership, but a command climate where success becomes the standard,” Faehnle said. “Doug, your legacy here is one of quiet momentum, lasting impact, and unwavering commitment to mission.”
Burfield’s citation highlighted his role in mitigating encroachment, ensuring security for over 25,000 personnel, and overseeing 105,000 manned and unmanned flight operations. He also managed the safe removal of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) from hangars and implemented risk mitigation measures to maintain maintenance operations. His leadership fostered a culture of excellence, positioning NAS Patuxent River for future success.
In his farewell remarks, Burfield emphasized teamwork. “It’s teamwork that the Pax Pros display here every day, day in and day out, providing outstanding support to 64 mission partners on this base,” he said. “At NAS Patuxent River, we make deliberate efforts to practice the daily attitude of ‘Not because we have to, but because we get to.’”
Commissioned on April 1, 1943, NAS Patuxent River serves as the Navy’s Center of Excellence for Naval Aviation. Hosting 64 mission partners, including the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, the base conducts research, development, testing, acquisition, and lifecycle management for naval aircraft and systems. Its role in advancing naval aviation technology remains critical to national defense.
Faehnle expressed confidence in Zematis’ ability to lead NAS Patuxent River forward. “Mark is no stranger to this command; he’s been XO for 18 months, and has already demonstrated the leadership, insight, and dedication required to guide Pax River to its next chapter,” Faehnle said. “He knows the mission, respects the culture, and believes in the power of teams.”
Zematis committed to building on Burfield’s foundation, emphasizing collaboration with “Team Pax” to support the base’s mission partners. His prior experience as executive officer and extensive operational background position him to maintain NAS Patuxent River’s operational excellence and innovation in naval aviation.
The ceremony, attended by base personnel and community partners, highlighted the seamless transition and the ongoing commitment to excellence at NAS Patuxent River. As Zematis takes charge, the base remains a cornerstone of naval aviation, poised to continue its legacy of innovation and service.
