St. Inigoes, Md. – Government and industry leaders converged at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Webster Outlying Field for Thunderdome, an annual event focused on demonstrating and evaluating emerging Counter Uncrewed Systems technologies. Hosted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 24 and NAWCAD’s Webster Outlying Field, the experimentation exercise ran from July 21 to 24, 2025, providing a platform to address the growing challenges posed by adversarial uncrewed capabilities.
The event allowed participants to engage with multiple uncrewed systems across various scenarios, fostering development and showcasing capabilities in detection, tracking and mitigation. UX-24 pilots operated a range of platforms, including fixed-wing, multirotor and vertical takeoff and landing systems, during scripted and unscripted flight events. Over the four days, teams conducted tests, gathered data and refined their systems to enhance performance against evolving threats.
“This event is a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of crewed-uncrewed technologies and foster collaboration between government and industry,” said NAWCAD WOLF Integrated Command and Control and Intelligence Systems Division Branch Head, Doug Shuman. “The data collected and lessons learned here will directly contribute to enhancing our ability to counter emerging threats.”
Thunderdome highlights the Navy’s emphasis on innovation and readiness amid the rapid proliferation of uncrewed systems worldwide. By bringing together experts at Webster Outlying Field, the exercise demonstrated the practical value of advanced technologies, setting the stage for future integrations in naval operations. Participants left with actionable insights to improve countermeasures, ensuring U.S. forces maintain an edge in contested environments.
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 24, known as UX-24, plays a central role in such initiatives. Established as the Navy’s first dedicated unmanned aerial systems test squadron in 2018, UX-24 conducts research, development, test and evaluation for Group 1 through 5 unmanned systems. Based at Webster Outlying Field, the squadron supports platforms like the RQ-21 Blackjack, RQ-23 Tigershark, MQ-8 Fire Scout and MQ-25 Stingray, contributing to the Navy’s unmanned aviation advancements. Its mission aligns with broader efforts to integrate crewed and uncrewed operations, as seen in Thunderdome’s focus on counter uncrewed systems.
Webster Outlying Field, often called WOLF, serves as a hub for these activities. Recognized as the Navy’s organic lead systems integrator for airborne, shipboard and shore-based solutions, WOLF specializes in rapid engineering and prototyping. It is also a designated center of excellence for counter-unmanned aerial systems, housing one of three Department of Defense-approved test ranges for such technologies and the only Navy-specific one. This infrastructure made it an ideal venue for Thunderdome, enabling safe and controlled evaluations of cutting-edge countermeasures.
The field’s history dates back to 1943, when it was established as a naval airfield for avionics testing and development during World War II. Originally part of land acquired from Jesuit missionaries, the site at Priest’s Point in St. Inigoes has evolved from a wartime auxiliary field to a modern innovation center. Over 80 years, it has supported key milestones, including early unmanned flight tests and environmental adaptations for naval electronics. Today, WOLF’s facilities include shielded hangars and integrated test ranges, reflecting its growth into a vital asset for NAWCAD.
For Southern Maryland residents, events like Thunderdome underscore the region’s deep ties to naval aviation. Naval Air Station Patuxent River, which oversees Webster Outlying Field as an annex, employs about 25,000 civilian, contractor and military personnel, making it the area’s largest employer. The base complex, spanning St. Mary’s County, drives significant economic activity through research, testing and procurement. According to a fiscal year 2021 analysis, NAS Patuxent River supported 52,317 jobs statewide, generated $6.27 billion in economic output and contributed $2.6 billion to Maryland’s gross state product. Much of this impact benefits Southern Maryland, where local vendors and workers support NAWCAD’s missions, including counter uncrewed systems development.
NAWCAD, headquartered at Patuxent River, manages a $40 billion annual budget for naval air systems, encompassing everything from aircraft acquisition to sustainment. Its presence fosters a thriving autonomy corridor in Southern Maryland, blending military, industry and education partnerships to advance technologies like those tested at Thunderdome. Community initiatives, such as workforce development programs, help residents access high-tech jobs, bolstering the local economy amid national defense priorities.
As uncrewed threats continue to evolve, exercises like Thunderdome ensure the Navy remains proactive. Webster Outlying Field’s role in these efforts not only enhances national security but also reinforces Southern Maryland’s status as a key player in naval innovation.
