Leonardtown, MD – It was President Franklin Roosevelt who first proclaimed August 19 National Aviation Day in the United States. Since then the day has been recognized annually to celebrate our nation’s great history and development of the aviation industry. In carrying on the tradition the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held a ceremony to recognize the importance of aviation in the county. The Patuxent River Naval Air Station has been at the forefront of cutting edge aviation growth and continues to provide readiness for research, development, testing and evaluation, acquisition, engineering and fleet support to the entire range of manned and unmanned naval aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft support systems and ship/shore/air operations.
Specifically noting the county’s contribution to the aviation industry, Commissioner President Randy Guy noted “St. Mary’s County Regional Airport serves as the base of operations for the Maryland State Police Medevac, Washington Hospital Center MedStar, Civil Air Patrol, Navy Annapolis Flight Center, Experimental Aircraft Association, several other general aviation service providers and has expanded to include the construction of new hangar space and a University of Maryland research and development facility for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program hosted another successful Young Eagle’s rally on June 18. The event gave local youth an opportunity to experience the thrill of flight free of charge.
The county has welcomed the new Naval Air Museum & Visitors Center in Lexington Park. The museum provides educational opportunities for visitors to experience the evolution of U.S. Naval Aviation history and includes exhibits of naval aviation’s technology history, simulators, vital hands-on and interactive demonstrations of the aeronautical sciences.
The commissioners thanked the Airport Advisory Committee for its volunteer efforts over the past year and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the opportunities in aviation and aviation – related activities available in the county.
Maryland Senator Steve Waugh also presented a citation from the General Assembly to the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County for their continuing efforts in attracting and promoting aviation in the county.