Patuxent Naval Air Station officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to mark the start of construction of a new officer’s club, the Patuxent River Conference Center.

Years in the making, the project will replace the outdated Cedar Point Officer’s Club which will likely meet a bulldozer.

The new conference center is loosing the officer’s club moniker because it will serve as a restaurant and conference center for all base employees and events.

It is planned for completion by 2008.

 

Pax Base officials from right, NAS Patuxent River Executive Officer Capt. Glen Ives; former Pax River Commanding Officer Capt. Pat Hovater; Pax River Commanding Officer Capt. Zachary Henry; and Naval Washington District Commandant Rear Adm. Terence McKnight. Near the center is Program executive officer for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation Rear Adm. Tim Heely. On the left is Asst. Public Works officer Cmdr. Stephanie Jones; and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director Kathy Glockner in blue. — The Bay Net photos by Sean Rice