Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Pax River Naval Air Museum Inaugural Dinner

LEXINGTON PARK, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks last night at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Inaugural Dinner which celebrated the opening of the museum's new building and visitor's center. The museum commemorates the past, present and future of research, development testing and evaluation of naval aircraft. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Thank you, Captain Ives.

"I'm so pleased to be on hand for this wonderful event that we've been looking forward to for a very long time.

"When we had the ‘topping off' ceremony, I said that it was ‘a great day for St. Mary's County, for the Navy, and for our country.'

"The beautiful, curved roof of this new building represents more than the sweeping history of aviation.

"It calls us to look forward to an exciting future for American naval aviation – one in which Pax River Naval Air Station will continue to lead as a hub for innovation.

"A wonderful example of that bright future is the unmanned aircraft systems test facility that was recently inaugurated in Southern Maryland that was a partnership between Pax River and the University of Maryland, among other stakeholders.

"I want to recognize the efforts of former Delegate John Bohanan, who was not only instrumental in advancing that project but was critical in securing state funding to build this new museum.

"And I was proud to work with John and with others here in the County and in Annapolis to secure $3.4 million in federal funding to complete this wonderful home for Southern Maryland's aviation history.

"This museum will surely become one of Southern Maryland's top attractions and bring new tourism and economic activity to the area.

"And it will be a great educational resource for schools and for researchers. 

"I want to say a special thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible – and to all the outstanding volunteers who give their time to teach the next generation about the storied history of American naval aviation and the innovative, courageous aviators who made that history possible.

"It is a spirit that continues today and will keep lifting our sights higher for many years to come."