Kyle Rambo, NAS Patuxent River environmental and conservation director, stands next to the nature trail at Pax River named in his honor Oct. 18. Rambo was recognized with the trail naming during a surprise ceremony to mark his 40 years on the job at the installation.

U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Capping a career lasting nearly 40 years, NAS Patuxent River’s environmental and conservation director Kyle Rambo was recognized by the command with the renaming of the base’s Pepperbush Trail as the Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail Oct. 18.

Rambo was surprised with the ceremony during a conservation site survey with NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. John Brabazon. The sounds of woodland birds mingled with cheers and applause as Rambo was met by friends and colleagues who gathered to honor his four decades of service to Pax.

“This really is something special, to be at a place so long,” said Rambo after realizing the surprise. “I was looking at the commanding officers’ wall in the Admin building, and realized that I’ve worked for 20 of the 43 commanding officers in my time here. I remember planting some native trees when I first started here that are now bigger around than I am.”


Following brief remarks on the impact of his work at the installation, Rambo was directed to a sign post covered with a sheet. With flourish, the sheet was lifted to reveal the renamed Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail.

“Kyle’s dedication to this installation is truly remarkable, and one you can see driving around the installation every day,” said Brabazon. “One of my first acts here as executive officer was to plant a tree with Kyle for our Arbor Day celebration. He just has a passion for what he does. His efforts towards conservation and fostering a love of nature at Pax is why we’re so proud of his work here.”

With those words, Rambo was handed a pair of scissors to cut the ribbon on the trail and be formally honored by representatives from the installation, Naval Facilities Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington, and the Office of The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment and Mission Readiness. In addition to the trail dedication, Brabazon presented Rambo with the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal on behalf of Capt. Eric Hawn, NAVFAC Washington commanding officer.

Rambo was recognized for many achievements in his citation for the award, including his work on the installation’s Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program’s wildlife conservation surveys, increasing the overall safety of animals and flight operations on station.

During his time at Pax, Rambo served in the Pax River Environmental Department during a period of unprecedented growth following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). He founded lasting relationships between the command and various social and regional conservation groups, such as the Audubon Society, Baltimore Bird Club, and the Boy Scouts, gaining recognition for NAS Patuxent River as a good steward of the land and environment.


One of his most lasting contributions to the command is its continued recognition as a “Tree City, USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation. Thanks to Rambo, NAS Patuxent River was the first naval installation to be named a Tree City, USA by the Arbor Day Foundation — a recognition it has since earned for the past 33 years.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Pax,” said Rambo, “NAS Patuxent River is part of this community. And being here for the past forty years, I’ve laid down some deep roots here in Southern Maryland. I’m so thankful for everything we’ve been able to do here.”

The Kyle E. Rambo Nature Trail is located on the southern tip of NAS Patuxent River, and covers a variety of woodland and wetland habitats for local wildlife.