DAHLGREN, Va. and PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Residents near Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and Naval Air Station Patuxent River should prepare for periods of loud noise in the coming days due to scheduled military testing and training operations.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division will conduct range testing Wednesday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that may produce very loud noise in communities surrounding the facility. Access to the Potomac River Middle Danger Zone, as described in federal regulations, will be restricted during testing.
Separately, NAS Patuxent River has issued a supersonic noise advisory for inshore supersonic flights from June 15-18 and June 23-26. These operations have the potential to generate sonic booms that could be heard and potentially felt throughout surrounding communities, including areas near Outlying Field Webster, Smith Island and the Northern Neck of Virginia.
Range schedules can change frequently. For daily updates on Dahlgren range operations and test schedules, residents can call the NSWCDD Range and Weapons Testing toll-free hotline at (877) 845-5656 or visit the Potomac River Test Range website. Questions about Dahlgren operations can be directed to the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office.
For information about Patuxent River operations, residents can call 1-866-819-9028.
Southern Maryland communities near these major military installations regularly receive such advisories as part of ongoing testing and training that supports national defense and technological advancement. The loud noises and potential sonic booms are a reminder of the active role these facilities play in the region’s economy and security mission.
Residents are encouraged to use the provided hotlines and websites for the most current information, as schedules can shift. Military officials have stated that precautions are taken to lessen the impact of testing and training activities on surrounding communities whenever possible.
Anyone with concerns about noise or operations is advised to contact the appropriate public affairs offices using the numbers provided.
