PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Golfers, community leaders, aviation professionals and military supporters gathered June 17 at Cedar Point Golf Course aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River for the chamber’s “250 Years of Freedom” Golf Invitational, an event that combined championship golf with a mission to help Southern Maryland’s next generation of aviators take flight.
Hosted in conjunction with Air Show Week festivities, the tournament brought together dozens of sponsors, local businesses and supporters to raise funds for Ready 9 Aviation Academy (R9AA), a nonprofit initiative dedicated to introducing high school students to aviation careers and helping aspiring pilots overcome one of the industry’s largest barriers — the cost of flight training.
Before golfers headed to the course, Chamber Board Member Dave Davison welcomed attendees and highlighted the purpose behind the event.
“The objective is to raise funds for Ready 9 Aviation Academy,” Davison said. “What we’re trying to do here in St. Mary’s County helps get young people in the air and move toward aviation careers.”
Davison explained that many collegiate aviation programs require students to already possess significant flight experience or a private pilot license before advancing in their degree programs. The expense often places those opportunities out of reach for otherwise qualified students.
Through partnerships with experienced pilots, flight instructors and community supporters, Ready 9 Aviation Academy aims to bridge that gap by providing access to training opportunities and flight experiences for local students.
Students Represent The Future Of Aviation
Among those attending the tournament were members of the Ready 9 Aviation Academy team and students already pursuing aviation-related careers.
Representing the program were instructor Jerry Swift; Offshore UAS representatives Andy Ly and Richard Anderson; student pilot Isabelle Strutt; Pax River flight simulator operator Jason Sciarillo; and Rick Wood, president of St. Mary’s Ryken Highschool.
The students spent time meeting golfers, sponsors and community leaders while sharing their experiences and aspirations in aviation.
Davison encouraged participants to speak with the students throughout the day.
“Please talk to these young folks and learn what they’re trying to do in life,” he said. “That’s really the most exciting part.”
The event highlighted a growing effort across Southern Maryland to develop a skilled aviation workforce at a time when both civilian and military aviation industries continue to face increasing demand for pilots, engineers and unmanned systems specialists.
Air Show Excitement Takes To The Skies
As golfers prepared to begin play, retired Rear Adm. Scott Sanders welcomed participants and provided insight into the aerial activity taking place overhead.
The tournament coincided with preparations for the 2026 NAS Patuxent River Air Show, marking the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Southern Maryland.
Sanders explained that while attendees might spot Blue Angels aircraft throughout the day, the pilots were conducting familiarization flights rather than practicing the full air show routine.
“What they’re doing is checking out the points and seeing where the ingress and egress routes are for the air show,” Sanders said.
(Ingress Points: Strategic waypoints used to initiate a flight approach toward a target zone and Egress Points: Designated waypoints or headings for leaving a target or restricted area.)
Attendees were also treated to the sight of a Blue Angels-themed Corvette displayed near the clubhouse, providing an additional attraction and photo opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and car lovers alike.
The excitement surrounding Air Show Week added a unique backdrop to the tournament, with aircraft periodically visible overhead and anticipation building for the weekend’s performances.
Supporting Southern Maryland’s Economic Engine
During his remarks, Sanders emphasized the significance of NAS Patuxent River not only as a military installation but as a major driver of the regional economy.
“This is the economic engine of St. Mary’s County,” Sanders said. “It’s the economic engine of Southern Maryland.”
He praised the ongoing partnership among the installation, local government, economic development leaders and the business community, noting that innovations developed at Pax River continue to influence military operations around the world.
The tournament itself reflected those partnerships, bringing together military personnel, defense contractors, community organizations and local businesses in support of a common goal.
Behind the scenes, Dana Rebarchick and the team at Blue Wind Gourmet played a key role in bringing the event together. In addition to coordinating tournament operations, the company provided catering and hospitality services, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for golfers, sponsors and community supporters gathered in support of aviation education.
Sponsors Fuel Mission
The tournament was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors, including DAVICO LLC as a premier sponsor, along with mission support sponsors Lau-Lee Tales and NSI – The Solutions Company. Squadron sponsors included AIRTEC, St. John Properties, Wear Your Spirit Warehouse, avid hotels and IDEA Solutions. Their support helped advance Ready 9 Aviation Academy’s mission of creating opportunities for future pilots and aviation professionals throughout Southern Maryland.
As golfers teed off across the historic Cedar Point course, the day’s purpose remained clear: investing in young people who dream of careers in aviation while strengthening a local pipeline of talent that could one day help shape the future of flight.
With Blue Angels aircraft overhead, aviation students on hand and community support on full display, the event showcased how Southern Maryland continues to cultivate the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders.
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