Marine CH-53

The Museum of Naval Aviation Science and Technology

Headed to NAS Paxtuxent River Air Expo to see the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, and other attractions this weekend? Why not stop and take a moment to learn about the science and technological story behind some of the aircraft you might see. The Museum has an outdoor aircraft park and indoor exhibits and smaller aircraft.

In the Museum’s outdoor aircraft park are an F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, AV-8B Harrier, CH-53 Sea Stallion, E-2B Hawkeye, and others. Some of the aircraft, like the CH-53 Sea Stallion pictured above, are still actively in use in today’s Military. Most of the display aircraft were the actual test vehicles used at NAS Pax River. Inside the Museum you’ll see drone aircraft, a variety of aircraft engines, exhibits on G-forces, ejection seat and helmet development.

The Museum is located at 22156 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, MD at the Pegg Road intersection, adjacent to the Gate One access road for NAS Pax River. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday 10am-5pm.

Admission and parking are FREE.

photo credit jamesdale10′s

Blue Angels Featured at NAS Pax River Air Expo '09

NAS Pax River Air Show

Did you miss the 2009 Joint Services Open House Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base last weekend? Or did you go and get rained out??? No worries! The weather looks good this Memorial Day Weekend for the Air Expo ’09.

It will take off May 23rd and May 24th as Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, hosts the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, the Army’s Golden Knights, and the F-16 Viper East Coast Demo Team.

No advance tickets are required. Gates open at 9 a.m. The show will start at approximately 11:30 a.m. with the Army’s Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, followed by an exciting line-up of civilian and military performers.

Parking and admissions are FREE and Handicap parking is available.

According to the NAS Pax River Air Expo Website:

Those who have Department of Defense identification cards and DoD automobile decals, or DoD identification cards only, enter the Air Station through Gate 1. All others should enter the Air Station through Gate 2.

Keep in mind NAS Pax River is a Military installation. There are rules and restrictions you must follow. Before planning your trip this weekend, I suggest you read their FAQ’s – First Timers Brief, Tips and Seating Information (including safety and comfort), directions from Washington, DC, Northern and Southern Virginia, as well as their Schedule of Events. For questions or additional information email info@paxairexpo.org or call call 301-757-3976.

Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat for you and the kids, plenty of water, and ear protection!

Thunderbirds F-16's in flying formation

Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base

The three-day Air Show and Open House takes place May 16th-17th. Friday, May 15 is open to Department of Defense card holders, retirees and school-sponsored children only.  Anyone who has a DoD card that allows normal access to any Military installation may attend on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Admission is FREE.

If you are concerned about inclement weather, please call their information line to check on show delays or cancellations 301-981-4600.

According to the Joint Services Air Show website:

Security and parking space prohibit unauthorized vehicle admission to Andrews Air Force Base. Guests can park at FedEx Field where shuttle buses will provide transportation to Andrews. Shuttles will also run from the Branch Ave Metro Station.

Keep in mind Andrews Air Force Base is a Military installation. There are rules and restrictions you must follow. Before planning your trip this weekend, I suggest you read their Saftey and Security guidelines and well as their Schedule of Events.

Don’t forget sunscreen!

photo credit Ack Ook