Patuxent River, Md. – Communities around Naval Air Station Patuxent River face potential noise from mission-critical engine test runs set to occur through Aug. 29, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The base issued the advisory to alert residents in surrounding areas, including parts of St. Mary’s County and Calvert County, about the scheduled activities essential for aircraft development and testing.
Officials at NAS Patuxent River emphasized that all operations incorporate measures to minimize community disruption. Residents can call 1-866-819-9028 for details or visit the noise advisory page. The station maintains a noise management program, responding to inquiries within one business day via phone or email at paxnoise@us.navy.mil.
Engine test runs at the base involve evaluating propulsion systems for naval aircraft, often in controlled facilities like the T-10 Test Cell, which underwent restoration in 2025 to support fleet readiness with noise-suppression features. These tests ensure engines meet performance standards for missions, contributing to the Navy’s aviation advancements. Similar advisories have been issued recently, such as one from July 23 to Aug. 31, 2025, for increased flight activities tied to U.S. Naval Test Pilot School training at NAS Patuxent River and Webster Outlying Field. That period involved low-level nighttime operations, prompting notifications to manage expectations in noise-sensitive zones.
The base’s noise management efforts include a toll-free hotline and sonic boom monitors to track impacts. A Joint Land Use Study completed in partnership with local governments addresses compatibility, mapping noise contours and safety zones to guide development near flight paths. In St. Mary’s County, where the base is located, officials consider these factors in planning to avoid encroachment that could limit operations. Past studies highlight traffic and noise as key community concerns, with recommendations to reopen access gates for better flow.
The base collaborates with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland on environmental protection, including the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to buffer lands around the installation. This initiative preserves habitats while mitigating noise propagation. Public affairs officers encourage reporting disturbances to refine scheduling and reduce conflicts.
As engine tests proceed through Aug. 29, officials remind residents that schedules may adjust based on operational needs or weather. The advisory aligns with the base’s commitment to transparency, posting updates on social media and the citizen concerns page. Southern Maryland’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay enhances the area’s appeal, but it also amplifies the need for balanced coexistence between military operations and daily life.