201213 - navy alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306annualreport.pdf · 201213 annual report...

19
2012-13 ANNUAL REPORT To protect and enhance naval aviation and the military economic base in Southern Maryland

Upload: others

Post on 14-Jul-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2012-13AnnuAl RepoRt

to protect and enhance naval aviation and the military economic base in Southern Maryland

Page 2: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1

DeDication ...............................................................................................................2

Statement of PurPoSe ................................................................................................3

rePort from the PreSiDent......................................................................................4–5

navy alliance agenDa 2013 – 2014 .........................................................................6

Southern marylanD navy alliance Policy guiDelineS ................................................7

review & analySiS .....................................................................................................8

cSS Policy committee rePort ...............................................................................8

BaSe realignment anD cloSure (Brac) committee rePort ......................................9

autonomouS SyStemS are our Strength .........................................................9–11

naval air Station Patuxent river Joint lanD uSe StuDy ................................12–16

Delivering on the naval aviation viSion ......................................................17–18

a year in review: irregular warfare & raPiD reSPonSe (iw/rr) .....................19–21

fiBer oPtic network exPanSion StatuS ..........................................................22–23

Strategic Plan uPDate .......................................................................................24

Strong county growth continueS ..............................................................25–26

4 reaSonS to Join the navy alliance ...................................................................26

community-military Partnering..........................................................................27

Smna aPPreciateS electeD officialS ...................................................................28

2012-2013 Smna leaDerShiP ................................................................................29

financial rePort ....................................................................................................30

grantS anD contriButionS ......................................................................................31

granting agencieS ..................................................................................................32

acknowleDgementS .................................................................................................32

table of contentsJuly 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Page 3: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

32

John Savich By Todd Morgan

This past year we lost our good friend and colleague John Savich. John had been closely associated with the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance (SMNA) since he came to St. Mary’s County in 2001. Upon his arrival he was the county’s Economic Development Director and later advanced to being the County Administrator.

John is best remembered as a consensus builder and problem solver. He was highly regarded for his intellect, knowledge of public policy and community development issues.

He is well remembered for many events that the SMNA worked closely with the County on to help enhance its appeal and more importantly help to solidify Patuxent River in the local community. This included working closely with the business community and the SMNA during the 2005 BRAC process. Also included is the acquisition of the Hayden property, where two new schools will be built; the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, a tireless project that is finally starting to show progress; and the Lexington Manor purchase, Maryland’s largest ever Community Development Block Grant project. The list goes on.

During his tenure John was a tireless advocate, largely behind the scenes, for St. Mary’s County. He served as Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) President, was active in the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), and was a graduate of Leadership Maryland. Additionally, he was a guest lecturer at Duke University on Economic and Community Development.

Before coming to St. Mary’s County, John worked for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, and the Michigan Department of Commerce.

John is survived by his wife Kathy, and children Jana and Zach.

D e D i c A t i o n

Statement of PurPoSe

Southern Maryland Navy Alliance is a private organization whose mission is to support, promote, and enhance the intellectual capital and infrastructure at Patuxent River and St. Inigoes as an economic

asset and resource to the Southern Maryland region. The objectives are:

Support the expansion of technical and engineering jobs in Research, Development, Acquisition, Test & Evaluation, fleet life cycle support, and defense-related opportunities in the Southern

Maryland region. This includes vigorous support and assistance for the policies and budgets ofNaval Aviation, Federal, and Department of Defense (DOD) Joint activities and initiatives.

Leverage and create Centers of Excellence to expand upon core aviation expertise as a catalyst forbusiness portfolio diversification.

Educate and inform the businesses, citizens, and governments of Southern Maryland aboutthe economic and cultural benefits of a strong military presence in the region and the importance of supporting regional infrastructure.

Provide leadership to facilitate coordination and build consensus on key projects with variousorganizations, groups, clubs, governments and individuals who have similar interests in maintaininga healthy and stable Patuxent River and St. Inigoes.

Serve as a catalyst to assist other government and private organizations with marketing the science and technology assets at Patuxent River and St. Inigoes.

THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENT AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS REQUIRED BY THE BY-LAWS OF THE CORPORATION.

The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance solicits financial contributions from its sponsors each year. Your participation is critical to the funding of our efforts. Equally important, our sponsor list is an indicator to Members of Congress and other government officials of the level of community support for our military installation. Membership contributions range from $1000 to $10,000. Checks should be sent to the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, P.O. Box 748, Hollywood, MD 20636.

SoutHeRn MARYlAnD nAVY AlliAnce

Page 4: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

54

from the PreSident

“These are the strangest times,” is a comment I overheard at a recent event from a senior government leader, describing the overall environment within the defense department and specifically here at Patuxent River. That seems to be a fairly apt description as we head into the latter part of 2013. It’s been a tough and challenging year for those in the federal government, and specifically those in the Department of Defense and related industries, and the coming year does not look to be any less challenging.

This may be a “strange” time, but more importantly, this is a seminal time for those of us who live and work and raise our families here in Southern Maryland where much of our economy and so many of our jobs are directly tied to federal programs, resources and funding. With declining defense dollars, sequestration, continuing resolutions year after year, capped by an administration and congress that cannot work together (wait until the debt ceiling crisis becomes another fiscal cliff in October), it is imperative that our Southern Maryland community recognize the potential for the adverse impacts of this continuing scenario, what it might mean to our region and our economy in the near term and longer, and take thoughtful, but firm and immediate actions to effectively navigate through these uncertain and tumultuous times.

It’s during times like these that the mission and role of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance (SMNA) are more relevant and more critical than ever. It’s during times like these that those of us in the SMNA are in our element … energized and more than ready to take on these challenges for the good of our Southern Maryland region and communities. Our focus continues to be both near term and strategic. Near term, we are working closely with the Navy, industry and related partners to help ensure new and standing policies are implemented most effectively, and to keep communications between government, industry and community continuous, consistent and transparent, and to promote cooperation and coordination to help mitigate the impacts of sequestration and budget reductions.

We have commissioned a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) study and analysis with the support of the County government to help improve our BRAC posture and readiness, and to help better prepare our community, not only for a formal BRAC, but for the constant threats to our base and programs inherent in what can only be described as an ongoing “hostile” sequestration and budget reduction environment.

We continue to actively support the University System of Maryland as our lead public entity to become a designated test site for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to integrate Unmanned Systems into our National Airspace. And we are working hard to help strategically position Southern Maryland as a focal point for Autonomous Systems innovation, research, development, testing and operations across defense and commercial enterprises.

report We are building stronger partnerships with key community and business organizations and working to develop these partnerships across our Southern Maryland region. We have learned that we must broaden and diversify our economic base so we are less dependent upon federal funding and programs, and we are learning that we have a much better opportunity of gaining critical backing and support from state and federal and private industry if we are able to make the case for progress as a Southern Maryland region.

There is real strength in coming together as a regional team when it makes sense for the appropriate strategic initiatives and ventures. The Southern Maryland 2020 vision does exactly that, calling for a Southern Maryland regional approach for Innovation and Diversification across our business, industry and education portfolios; striving to strengthen our Education base to support that Innovation and Diversification through close coordination with our important educational institutions like the College of Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, and our regional public school systems to ensure their vision, mission, curriculum and programs remain relevant and robust to our work force requirements today and into the future. Securing a stronger presence of larger institutions like the University System of Maryland will also be vital to that strategic effort and our long term success. And of course, to continue to help ensure our Anchors and primary economic engines like our military installations and mission commands, and energy corporations throughout our region, remain strong, vibrant and enduring. The general vision and concepts are easily recalled by the IDEA acronym … Innovation, Diversification, Education, Anchors.

Uncertain or disruptive times can also make for exciting times and quite often spawn great new and creative ideas and initiatives … sort of stepping up to the challenges and trying to manage them in a way that’s best for our community rather than allowing the challenges to force us in a direction we do not want to go. But it takes more than just good or great ideas … it takes thoughtful but firm and confident action … and it takes teamwork ... regional teamwork as a true Southern Maryland community. Your Southern Maryland Navy Alliance is committed in every way to help ensure the quality of life and welfare of our citizens, families, businesses, and institutions that make up our Southern Maryland community.

Sincerely,

CAPT Glen Ives, USN (Ret.)President

Page 5: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

76

agenda

T he agenda of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance that follows is directed to support effective organization of national defense strategy and commitment to the Patuxent River Complex as an indispensable national asset.

Promote understanding of the Patuxent River Complex’s strategic position in the development and use of military power for the defense of the United States

Continued commitment to the “NAVAIR Model” promoting an integrated approach to the acquisition, research, development, test and evaluation of aircraft and other programs at Patuxent River, which integrates engineers, logisticians, scientists, testers and acquisition specialists to create compelling synergy between these functional disciplines

Policy direction that inculcates the understanding that the Navy’s strategy and role is not separate from

research, design, development and testing

Promote understanding by policy makers of the integrated, unparalleled technical facilities for the development of aircraft systems and other Department of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security programs that exist at the Patuxent River Complex as in no other place

Educate military and congressional leaders as to why the Navy and the U.S. government must maintain their intellectual capital and need a smart technical workforce that constitutes an irreplaceable organic technical capability

Support congressional funding for special projects at Patuxent River and St. Inigoes

Promote recognition by policy makers of the innovative work performed at NAWCAD’s St. Inigoes in support of the Navy, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies

Activate and increase the support program for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Special Operations for the Navy at Patuxent River and St. Inigoes

Support the 2007 Encroachment Study Committee’s five recommendations and the Naval Air Station Encroachment Plan (EAP) for the Patuxent River Complex that will result in the development of policies that balance economic growth with an unswerving devotion to maintaining world-class Department of Defense facilities and airspace free from encroachment at the Navy’s Patuxent River Complex

2012 – 2013policy

GuidelineS

Support the US Navy, Naval Aviation and the larger interests of the Navy — and work toward resolving local conflicts with the Navy to that end.

Ensure the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance adheres to its mission of supporting the Navy and business development in the region, with no special advantage to or for any particular company.

Understand the limitations of the Navy in its ability to present its position and how the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance can be a strong ally before Congress and the Department of Defense as well as in the private sector.

Construct political alliances with Congressman Steny Hoyer, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Benjamin Cardin and other groups across the country.

Know what is going on and where it is happening; know the players and how to use the political process. Special focus should be placed upon pending Navy budget reallocations that may erode our budget base, skilled jobs and cost efficiencies.

Allocate resources to support a systematic effort targeted to secure appropriation of funds for special projects/programs at Patuxent River and Webster Field/St. Inigoes.

Integrate Southern Maryland Navy Alliance strategy with trends in national defense and US foreign and world trade policies.

Employ a professional support system of Washington consultants to monitor events, develop strategies, and brief key decision-makers.

Assure that absolute confidentiality protects Southern Maryland Navy Alliance sources of information.

Limit publicity. The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance has deliberately maintained a low profile as a matter of policy, however we will take every opportunity to tell the incredibly successful NAVAIR story.

These policies, coupled with development of focused, realistic strategies and a tactical agenda for implementation, will help reinforce the NAVAIR success story. In addition, it will help us assist Naval Aviation to secure, protect, and expand the Navy infrastructure and the technical base at Patuxent River and Webster Field/St. Inigoes.

Page 6: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

98

The following articles present updates on major issues and projects affecting the Patuxent River Complex.

cSS Policy committee rePortBy Bob Wirt and Adelle Pierce

These are difficult times for the Federal government. The Department of Defense, Navy and the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) are feeling the pinch brought on by budget pressures resulting from competing priorities in the Congress and Administration. Compounding the churn are the many variables introduced by debt ceiling debates, Continuing Resolutions and Sequestration. Budgets supporting deployed operations, base operating budgets and maintenance are impacted resulting in unprecedented measures being implemented by Navy Leadership. These steps ensure that the fundamental missions of the United States Navy and Marine Corps - that is providing global security and stability abroad and keeping the world’s sea lanes open - are not compromised. But there have also been a number of policies implemented that are affecting NAVAIR procurement practices. We have seen these ultimately impact companies who provide quality support services and niche capabilities to the PEOs, PMAs and competencies that ensure NAVAIR and NAWCAD can perform their missions across the full life cycle of acquisitions. Often, there are unintended consequences (felt by both government and industry) that may not be fully appreciated by those charged with developing and/or implementing policies. As such, the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance (SMNA) established a Committee for Contract Support Services (CSS) Policy whose purpose

is to open channels of communication with Navy Leadership.

Members of the CSS Policy Committee have been working with Navy Leadership focusing on developing a level of bi-lateral transparency and communication as a trusted resource, remaining grounded on the fundamental principal of ensuring the SMNA understands the government’s desired outcomes. Our feedback to Navy leadership is based on this understanding of the government’s expectations from its implementation plans, and how industry is responding to them. We also want to offer advice, from an industry wide perspective that provides information relative to implementation that may or may not potentially compromise or dilute the ability to perform fleet support and acquisition missions.

To date the CSS Committee has engaged NAVAIR, NAWCAD, federal, state and local officials and other agencies to address areas relating to Better Buying Power, Section 808, Continuing Resolutions, Sequestration, Low Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) Source Selection Strategies, planning for government civilian furloughs and commensurate reductions to CSS, the “slow down” of CSS spending, tripwires imposed on knowledge and logistics based contracts, FY14 budget impacts and best value solicitation practices. We have enjoyed an unprecedented level of dialogue with Navy Leadership that has been viewed as beneficial to both government and industry. We have worked in collaboration with the local Small Business Round Table for thought leadership, lessons learned, impacts of policies on the full breadth of the local industrial base, and consistency of messaging to and from the Navy Leadership. u

articlesreview & analySiS

BaSe realiGnment and cloSure (Brac) committee rePort By Pete Williams and Tom Jarboe

As we go to press with our annual report, there is still no legislation that requires another BRAC round. With that said, Secretary of Defense Hagel sent a letter to Congress that requests another round in 2015 and given the budget pressures facing our military, we can expect the requests for a BRAC to continue.

An additional consideration is that we can expect the Navy to realign and consolidate capabilities even if a BRAC round is not authorized and we need to ensure that the decision makers in Washington are making informed decisions.

This high level of uncertainty requires us to be prepared, and to that end we have commissioned the Public Private Solutions Group (PPSG), Inc. to conduct a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis for NAS Patuxent River and the associated facilities so that we can be prepared for whatever the future holds. This analysis will be completed in six months and will provide us the information that we need to conduct further work on the areas that are identified. Their work will give us insight into any of our weakness from the previous BRAC, and it will also identify any capacity issues that could inhibit future growth.

We held a kick-off meeting with PPSG on June 11th and the senior NAVAIR leadership provided an outstanding overview of the work being done at Patuxent River, followed by a tour of the key facilities on the base. We then drove the team down to Webster Field and received additional briefings on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Special Communications Requirements (SCR) and Irregular Warfare/Rapid Response (IW/RR) work that is being performed there. At the end of the tour, the PPSG leadership commented that they had attended many such events in the past and that this one ranked up with the very best.

Those of us who live and work in Southern Maryland know the value that our region provides to our nation’s defense. And while the future is uncertain, the strong partnership between the government and industry will serve as a key element in the future success of our community. The SMNA BRAC Committee is staffed with great volunteers, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to this very important effort. u

autonomouS SyStemS are our StrenGthBy Matt Scassero

There are three takeaways even before you read the rest of this article, assuming you do. Experience counts; it is all about jobs; and if you can imagine it, you can do it with autonomous systems.

The southern Maryland region has been a leader in unmanned aviation for decades, dating back to the first target drones for the Navy in the late 1940’s, and culminating in the incredible recent operations and testing of platforms such as the X-47B UCAS, conducting the world’s first unmanned launches and recoveries aboard an aircraft carrier, and the support provided by the KMAX unmanned helicopter, providing 5,000 pounds per lift of much needed supplies to combat Marines and other forces in Afghanistan. It would be tempting to rest on those well-earned laurels…but that is not our way.

The reality is that at the same time defense budgets are being pressured, a new opportunity presents itself. The unmanned aviation economy is forecast to be a global $89 billion impact over the next decade. Maryland’s share of that is $2 billion and over 2,500 jobs. To say “share” isn’t quite accurate, because nobody assures those jobs coming here - except us.

Building upon an effort that started in 2011, the region’s application to be one of six nationally-designated unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test sites

Article continued on page 10

Page 7: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1110

The customers of this new test site are envisioned to initially be the FAA, NASA and other federal agencies interested specifically in research on integrating UAS into the national airspace system. Beyond that, however, there is a growing demand for a resource available to other federal, state and local government agencies, as well as commercial industry to develop and test non-military/commercial applications of UAS. This test site will be a soup-to-nuts answer to that demand, offering a complete spectrum of services to a diverse customer base. The types of applications that UAS can support are limitless; agriculture, public safety, energy, journalism, natural resource protection, emergency preparedness – the list goes on and on. As technology continues to progress, the applications that unmanned systems can accomplish are limited only by what we have thought of, and the boundaries of doing it efficiently and safely.

You will notice that I said “unmanned systems”. The deletion of “aircraft” is intentional; the technology we thrive on here supports applications in any domain – air, surface, subsurface, ground, even into space. The people and facilities that make up our region and our team also provide the nucleus of a new focus, an epicenter for autonomous systems. This center will be a test to our ability to lead into a future where software engineers are the rock stars, where applications matter more than vehicles, and where speed and agility are not desired, they are required.

When we have been given a challenge in the past, the people of our region stepped forward and ensured our warfighters had the very best systems to execute their mission. We have now been presented with a new task, and one that supports a greater portion of our county, our region and our nation. Very little of unmanned aviation is ‘unmanned’. It is the people who make the capability real, and we have the best on earth right here in Southern Maryland.u

has been provided to the FAA. This effort was initially a three state effort, made up of Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey. For a variety of reasons, driven in part by flight authorization rules, the parties separated, with Maryland’s subsequent efforts being supported by the University System of Maryland, led by University of Maryland College Park’s A. James Clark School of Engineering. While relationships continue with the research entities within Virginia and New Jersey, our approach is very focused.

The strength of the UMD UAS Test Site is in experienced expertise. As members of the team, each organization brings its own unique talents, but the synergy of doing this work with a team that has worked together for decades on exactly this type of research, and done it safely and efficiently, makes our region a valuable asset to the FAA, as it has been to the nation. What is different is the venue of this work. Where we have been trailblazers for military manned and unmanned aviation, we now have the opportunity to set the pace into the new commercial UAS market.

Centered around the world-leading capabilities at NAS Patuxent River, the UMD UAS Test Site takes advantage of the human capital and physical plant contained within NAWCAD and the other tenant commands, and combines them with the academic research leaders at the UMD campuses at College Park, Baltimore County, and Eastern Shore. Enthusiastic support is coming from Crisfield/Somerset County and St. Mary’s County Regional Airports to provide launch and recovery facilities, as well as continued collaborative efforts with NASA Wallops and Langley. Tying all of that together has been an impressive level of effort from our own Southern Maryland Navy Alliance and The Patuxent Partnership, and at the state level from the Department of Business and Economic Development and the Maryland Aviation Administration. More than 25 industry leaders have also signed on as potential clients. This partnering was demonstrated very well at this summer’s AUVSI Unmanned Systems 2013 trade show, where our entire team, led by UMD and Ausley Associates, Inc., was on display for a world-wide audience.

Standing ready for over 8,000 visitors from across the globe, the UMD UAS Test Site booth at the AUVSI Unmanned Systems 2013 show exhibited the advantages of the academia/industry/federal partnership

The unmanned X-47B lands on the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush

Article continued from page 10

Article continued on page 11

Page 8: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1312

naval air Station Patuxent river Joint land uSe Study By Katrina Tucker

Situated in Lexington Park in beautiful St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the Naval Air Station Patuxent River overlooks the picturesque Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. The station, affectionately known as “Pax River,” was commissioned in April 1943 and has since evolved into the center of excellence for naval aviation.

NAS Patuxent River is an integral part of the Southern Maryland Region, so a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is being conducted. Initiated in 1985 by the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA,) a JLUS is a federally funded program designed as a proactive approach to achieve compatible development in order to avoid possible impairment of the installation’s mission by civilian encroachment from the surrounding communities.

To conduct the Patuxent River JLUS the Tri-County

Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) was awarded grant funds through OEA. The TCCSMD has also assembled the participation of nine counties and two municipalities located in Southern Maryland as well as Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Northern Neck of Virginia. The three participating Southern Maryland counties and one municipality are Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties and the City of Leonardtown. Four counties and the other municipality are located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These are Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Wicomico Counties as well as the City of Cambridge. Two of the participating counties are located in Virginia’s Northern Neck, which are Westmoreland and Northumberland Counties.

The JLUS is a cooperative planning process designed to identify land use issues confronting both the civilian community and the military installation and to recommend strategies to address the issues in the context of the comprehensive plans and general zoning of the localities. At completion, all participating Article continued on page 14

counties and municipalities will be presented with recommendations for modifications to their comprehensive plans and zoning regulations in order to implement the results of the JLUS.

NAS Patuxent River, is the center of excellence for naval aviation and it includes the Atlantic Test Range (ATR) Inner Range. Its primary mission is to support operations of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and other activities and units. In addition, Patuxent River serves as the Navy’s principal research, development, test, evaluation, engineering, and fleet support activity for naval aircraft, engines, avionics, aircraft, support systems, as well as ship/shore/air operations. The installation is home to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Headquarters, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and several Navy flight test squadrons.

NAS Patuxent River consists of 6,398 acres. The main base is located in Lexington Park, 50 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., at the mouth of the Patuxent River where it joins the Chesapeake Bay. The naval air station complex includes Webster Field, Naval Recreation Center Solomons and Bloodsworth Island Range, and provides office space for the NAVAIR, NAWCAD and more than 50 tenant activities. With the BRAC consolidations of the 1990s, more than 22,000 people now work in support of the complex. The Navy is the largest employer in the community. Approximately 70 percent of these employees live in St. Mary’s County, and another 19 percent reside in Calvert and Charles counties. The remainder callother counties in Maryland, Virginia and the surrounding area home.

Webster Field, an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) annex of the main base, is 10 miles south in St. Inigoes Shores, Maryland. Webster Field is used for a variety of military training and testing purposes, such as Unmanned Aerial

(Photo courtesy of NAVAIR)

Page 9: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1514

Continued urban growth near NAS Patuxent River is also a main concern. Lexington Park and Leonardtown are identified as primary growth centers in the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, the main nuisance concern in the ATR raised by residents on the Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Northern Neck and Southern Maryland is Supersonic Noise and Sonic Booms. Aircraft flying at speeds in excess of Mach 1 create shock waves, which are heard on the ground as a “sonic boom.” Public safety is a greater concern. These will all be addressed in the Patuxent River JLUS.

Objectives of the JLUS are to increase communication and collaboration between the military, local jurisdictions, and stakeholders in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community while ensuring the ability of the installation to achieve its mission and maintain military readiness in support of national defense.

The JLUS will examine the following, among other things:

a. The economic profile of the region and the impact of the military’s presence on the surrounding local economy;

b. The existing and proposed land use patterns and activities surrounding the military installation;

c. The most current technical reports from the Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) and Range Installations Compatible Use Zones (RAICUZ) program prepared by the military, including operational mission profiles and types of military aircraft, and tracked or wheeled equipment employed in testing and training operations;

d. Environmental factors such as natural cultural resources, wildlife habitat, on- and off-base air quality attainment, urban lighting (both direct and indirect), dust and smoke emissions, and electromagnetic interference;

e. The extent of civilian encroachment and how it is likely to impair the continued operational utility of the military installation; and

f. The current adopted comprehensive/general plan, development policies of the local government, and existing land use regulations and codes

A Policy Committee has been formed for the Patuxent River JLUS comprised of elected leaders or designated staff from all the participating jurisdictions along with representation from the Patuxent River Base, as well as the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the Maryland Mid-shore Regional Council, the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, and the Virginia Northern Neck Planning District Commission. The Policy Committee is responsible for guiding the study and monitoring implementation and adoption of policies and strategies.

Additionally, stakeholders are participating in two Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs.) The TAG members are comprised of representatives from local, regional, state and federal agencies, as well as the business community, land trusts and farmers to provide expertise and local insight to the JLUS consultant and the Policy Committee. The TAGs identify and address technical issues, provide feedback on report development, and assist in the creation and evaluation of implementation strategies and tools. Moreover, the TAG members serve as a liaison between their organization and the Policy Committee.

The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance is actively engaged in the Patuxent River JLUS and provided project briefings at its monthly meetings. Moreover, SMNA member and St. Mary’s County Commissioner Todd Morgan is the Chair of the Patuxent River JLUS Policy Committee. Additionally, Mr. Greg Gillingham and Mr. Stephen Schmeiser from the SMNA have been appointed to serve on the TAGs.

The public outreach component of the Patuxent River JLUS will be a major element of the process throughout the duration of the study. Outreach methods are designed to be inclusive and engage all population segments in the study area in order to enable ongoing dialogue between the JLUS team, the Policy Committee, the TAGs, NAS Patuxent River, and the surrounding communities. The overarching goal of the Public Outreach Plan is to obtain community understanding of the issues and acceptance of the JLUS recommendations. This multi-faceted approach includes

Systems (UAS), and also serves as the operational site of the Maryland National Guard and Shadow UAS.

The Inner Range of the Atlantic Test Range (known as the ATR Inner Range) covers an area of approximately 2,360 square miles of land, airspace, and surface water in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including about 1,200 square miles over land. The ATR and the Radar Viewshed is reflected on the map in Figure 1. The Patuxent River JLUS study area extends across three states based on the ATR Inner Range, military airspace, UAV airspace, supersonic corridors, safety areas, and noise contours.

Only a fraction of the land area in the NAS Patuxent River Test Range is under military control. The privately controlled land within the Test Range includes all of, or significant portions of, ten counties. Somerset County Maryland is within the ATR Inner Range and Instrumentation Radar Viewshed but chose not to participate in this study.

The main encroachment concern today for NAS Patuxent River is potential wind farm development within the ATR Instrumentation Radar Viewshed 600 foot Contour that could present several obstacles to testing, ranging from physical profile to radar interruption. The NAS Patuxent River Advanced Dynamic Aircraft Measurement System (ADAMS) radar is used

for precise ground-to-air signature measurements on aircraft maneuvering in the ATR. The reflected energy of the rotating blades of a turbine degrades the ADAMS radar limiting the full spectrum of aircraft test and evaluation capability. The ADAMS radar is different than Air Traffic Control radar, but both are affected by wind turbines. The only effective mitigation measure identified to date is to keep the wind turbine maximum height below the ADAMS radar line-of-sight.

Article continued on page 16

Article continued from page 13

Page 10: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1716

a dedicated website (www.paxjlus.com), media outreach, fact sheets and brochures, and several regional public meetings.

All notices and relevant materials will be available on the website at www.paxjlus.com including meeting announcements, handouts and presentations, pamphlets, fact sheets, Draft and Final Reports, as well as contact information. During the study there will be public meetings held as a series so that the same topic will be presented in each of the four geographic regional areas, consisting of Southern Maryland, Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, Maryland’s Mid-Shore, and the Northern Neck of Virginia. The timing of these public meetings or “workshops” will coincide with the major milestones of the Patuxent River JLUS process. The preliminary topics for each of the public meetings are:

Workshop #1

The purpose and function of the JLUS will be explained, and accompanied by an overview of the operations at NAS Patuxent River. The project participants will also be introduced along with sharing the JLUS approach and goals. The format of this workshop will include a presentation to the public followed by an interactive working session where attendees will be invited and encouraged to share their concerns and identify potential JLUS issues. Use of an audience response system will assist in receiving instant responses for discussion and tracking.

Workshop #2

During the second in the series of public meetings the preliminary compatibility issues will be presented and refined. Existing policies and regulations for possible inclusion in the JLUS report’s recommendations and strategies will also be addressed. A Strategy Toolbox brochure will be distributed as part of this workshop and will be available for downloading from the website for the public’s information. And, again the use of an audience response system will assist in receiving instant responses for discussion and tracking.

Workshop #3

The third public meeting will be held at the commencement of the public comment period to review the JLUS findings, to present the proposed strategies, and to provide the public an opportunity to review the Draft JLUS report along with feedback and comments.

Workshop #4

The final series of public meetings will be held after the public comment period has closed. These final meetings will occur in the format of public hearings in each of the participating jurisdictions (Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, City of Leonardtown, Talbot County, Caroline County, Dorchester County, Wicomico County, City of Cambridge, as well as Westmoreland and Northumberland Counties in Virginia). The presentation will revisit the overall JLUS methodology, including the identification of issues and strategies. Furthermore, an overview of the public comments received on the draft report will be provided as well addressing the revisions that were incorporated leading up to the Final JLUS report.

Patuxent River hosts the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), which provide the full spectrum of acquisition management, research and development capabilities, air and ground test and evaluation, aircraft logistics and maintenance management. This distinctive synergy supports land-based and maritime aircraft and engineering, test, evaluation, integration, and life cycle support for ship/shore electronics. These combined capabilities are unique within the Department of Defense and ensure Patuxent River’s status as an aviation leader working effectively to continue progress into the next century.

For more information about the Joint Land Use Study for the Naval Air Station Patuxent River go to www.paxjlus.com or contact Katrina Tucker, AICP, Director of Regional Planning at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, at [email protected] u

deliverinG on the naval aviation viSion

By Brent Bennitt

In last year’s Annual Report we focused on the large number of major Naval Aviation development and demonstration programs that were being pursued by our NAVAL AVIATION SYSTEMS COMMAND professionals at Patuxent River and at other Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force installations in the United States and around the world.

In the months since that report, the 10 major programs that we highlighted, and their associated weapons system and aircraft carrier programs, have met with continued success. In some cases, that success has garnered world-wide recognition for aviation achievement. While space constraints for our Annual Report will not allow us to chronicle all of Naval Aviation’s milestone events over the past 12 months, it is appropriate to shine the spotlight on a few key accomplishments.

On the Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance front, two major milestones were reached in 2013. In early July NAVAIR announced that the Navy’s follow-on to the aging P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, had successfully completed its very demanding Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), demonstrating that the system was both operationally effective and operationally suitable. This finding will support the P-8’s planned initial operational deployment in the near future and, ultimately, an acquisition decision for Full Rate Production. The Navy’s program of record for the Poseidon, a Boeing-built aircraft, calls for a buy of 117 aircraft.

The other platform on the Navy’s future Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Team is the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system. On 22 May, in Palmdale, California, the Navy’s first Triton aircraft flew its maiden flight, flying for 80 minutes and reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet. Testing of the Triton will soon

move to Patuxent River in the spring and within a few short years the Navy will have both the Poseidon and Triton forward deployed around the globe providing unprecedented maritime surveillance capability to our nation and to our global partners. The Navy’s new Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management/Command and Control system, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, achieved two major program milestones in 2013. Earlier in the year NAVAIR announced that the system had completed its rigorous, 10 month IOT&E and was determined to be both operationally effective and suitable. This success cleared the way for the Defense Acquisition Board to approve Full Rate Production for the Hawkeye. With 20 Hawkeyes either delivered or currently in production, another 55 aircraft will be required to reach the program objective of 75 systems.

The Northrop Grumman Advanced Hawkeye is already being delivered to the fleet and will soon deploy with our Carrier Battle Groups. Its highly advanced radar and battle management systems will provide increased surveillance search volume, detection of lower radar cross-section targets and dramatically improved airborne command and control.

If you have had an opportunity to visit the Test Center during the past few months you could not help but notice the increased pace of F-35 operations. The test program is proceeding, with several major milestones on the near horizon. The Integrated Test Force Team is preparing for the second shipboard test period for

The Navy/Boeing P-8A Poseidon has successfully completed its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation trials and is being delivered to the fleet.

Article continued on page 18

Article continued from page 15

Page 11: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

1918

the Marine Corps F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant. This test period, scheduled for August, will focus on expanding the landing conditions envelop for the Marine Lightning II. The Marine Corps is planning on an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) date for the F-35B in mid-2015.

The Navy variant for the Lightning II, the F-35C (for carrier capable), has the Test Force concentrating on weapons integration, loads testing and flying qualities. One F-35C is being modified to support high angle of attack testing and the first ‘fleet’ aircraft has been delivered to the combined F-35 training squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The next major milestone for the “C” will be shipboard landings sometime in 2014. IOC for F-35C is currently scheduled for 2019.

The Navy’s Unmanned Combat Aircraft System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) designated X-47B, has moved rapidly through its demonstration schedule during the past eight months. The aircraft, built by Northrop Grumman, made history when it was launched from the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush on 14 May, made low approaches to the ship and then returned to Patuxent River. Just two months later, on 10 July, the X-47B again made history when it successfully completed arrested landings on the same carrier.

Navy Captain Jaime Engdahl, the UCAS-D Program Manager, commented that, “This moment in history was made possible by an extremely disciplined and

dedicated government-industry team that took a brand new unmanned combat air system from initial concept to highly successful demonstration in one of the most demanding operating environments in the world.” At sea, the Vertical Take Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) System ‘early military users’ assessment continues to break new ground with the MQ-8B Fire Scout aircraft. While deployed aboard ship the system was operated with four air vehicles from a single deck and was able to provide 12 hours of continuous surveillance coverage using relief on station operations.

With the Fire Scout system surpassing 10,000 hours of total flight time and having recently successfully demonstrated the firing of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) laser guided 2.75 inch rocket, a very significant addition to the Navy’s surface force is coming to fruition.

Congratulations are in order for several other major Naval Aviation programs. The Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet and EA-18G Growler Program Team is celebrating 35 years of continuous improvement in combat capability for that ‘workhorse’ strike/fighter and electronic attack aircraft.

The Electro-Magnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) Program Team is zeroing in on that maturing technology for our new carriers at the test site in Lakehurst, New Jersey. And the NAVAIR/Marine Corps/Lockheed Martin-Kmax Team richly deserves

kudos for their strong showing in the last year’s prestigious Collier Trophy competition.

The future is being realized every day by the Naval Aviation military, government civilian, and contractor professionals who provide the program management, design, development, test and evaluation, and logistics expertise that brings that future vision to life. Our Southern Maryland Navy Alliance is committed to continuing support to the entire Naval Aviation Team and, most especially, to the professionals of NAVAIR/PATUXENT RIVER who are dedicated to sustaining our nation’s unchallenged supremacy on, above and under the oceans of the world. u

a year in review: irreGular warfare & raPid reSPonSe (iw/rr) By Alan Parris and Tom Garrison

The SMNA IW/RR Committee’s “status” is to serve as an on-going information providing committee. We address trends in capability and resource requirements for IW/RR from NAVAIR. This arena of work affords connections between NAVAIR and the US Navy and other DoD services, as well as prompting support for federal agencies, like FEMA or the National Guard, that give our “local Navy” the opportunity to contribute to safety and security of communities and citizens across the nation. In the following paragraphs we provide some highlights for the past year of the NAVAIR IW/RR community.

In January 2013 newly appointed Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, VADM David Dunaway, visited the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, NC, along with NAVAIR Senior

Executives Gary Kessler and Larry Hollingsworth, to get a first-hand look at how NAVAIR teams with joint special forces to quickly develop and field interoperable communications systems for our warfighters. In VADM Dunaway’s September 2012 “Commander’s Intent” he mentioned three focus areas: increased speed to the fleet; integrated and interoperable war-fighting capabilities; and improved affordability. In support of IW/RR, AIR 4.5 is involved in activities that can help NAVAIR achieve these initiatives. While visiting JSOC the NAVAIR representatives also paid a visit to the Fayetteville NAVAIR Field technical unit where AIR 4.5 project engineers were on hand to brief details of numerous projects. Supporting special operations forces and first responders requires a capability to quickly design, develop, test and deploy solutions. These short-turn projects help instill a sense of urgency that becomes contagious and require non-developmental items to meet deadlines. To help stretch limited budgets, commercial off-the-shelf products are used which exploit industry’s billions of dollars of research and development and economies of scale while offering state-of-art technologies at more favorable prices. Involvement in these areas pays dividends by cross pollinating lessons learned into more traditional programs of record.

USS Kearsarge

The Navy MQ-8B ‘Fire Scout’ unmanned helicopter firing the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) 2.75 inch laser guided rocket.”

Article continued from page 17

Article continued on page 20

Page 12: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2120

During these events, these teams went in and set up crucial communications networks and served as backbone to multiple agencies. In particular, during the Presidential Inauguration, numerous agencies such as the FBI and Park Police lost vital communications due to lock outs, overcrowding on the network, or interference due to the large number of radio users during this event. During this time, the CST was operational and had solid communications between all elements. The affected agencies went to the CST and requested support. The CST quickly pulled them in, configured them into the CST network and provided 24/7 communications, internet, and wireless support for the duration of the inauguration.

This mission was a success, but what most people do not know is the team that supports the CST behind the scenes. The CMCS program is led by Nick Creswell, systems manager with Webster Field’s Special Communications Requirements Division (SCR). Mr. Creswell manages a mixture of government personnel and multiple contractors in one team. This team provides cradle to grave support for the CMCS program as well as a 24/7 help desk. Additionally, when these big events take place, SCR deploys teams on site with the CST teams to assist when needed. These missions may come with a week, a day, or an hour’s notice. But at all times the CMCS program is prepared to deploy and provide world class support.

Rapid Response projects have been executed to respond to a range of tasking from the Regional Combatant Commanders, from a simple demonstration of a new technology into an existing training exercise, to supporting dedicated pre-deployment training of operational forces, to supporting actual aircraft deployments within the combatant command (COCOM) Area of Responsibilities (AORs). A variety of Rapid Response aircraft projects have been completed, including contracting for contractor-owned and contractor-operated surveillance aircraft to support COCOM tasking and the modification of aircraft. Effective Rapid Response projects leverage NAVAIR experience with program management and systems engineering, along with the communications and multi-intelligence centers of excellence within NAVAIR 4.5. Mission success within the RR/IW arena comes

from understanding the user requirement, a sound knowledge of the limits of current technology, and the ability to identify and prototype emergent technologies to meet a varying mission set.

One specific example of a project that was accomplished within the Advanced Prototype Facility (APF) was a NAVAIR initiated Rapid Response project to support a COCOM demonstration. Two OV-10D Bronco aircraft were inducted into the APF and received a major material condition inspection, a cockpit modernization and the incorporation of the latest ISR capabilities. This entire effort took less than seven months to complete. Due to the tight time schedule, design engineers from the government augmented by local contractor support initiated the design while the aircraft was being disassembled. This effort was led by Chauncey Hartwig from the Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation (AVMI) division. Once the aircraft was disassembled, engineers from the Fleet Repair Activity East at MCAS Cherry Point conducted a material condition inspection using the guidance from the Aircraft Service Period Adjustment (ASPA) inspection for the OV-10D. A number of discrepancies were identified and subsequent repairs were completed. The installation of the cockpit and mission equipment was completed by local contractors. With the completion of the design and installation of the cockpit and mission equipment, the aircraft was certified by NASA as safe-for-flight. Once the NASA testing was completed, the aircraft was transferred into Navy inventory and flown by VX-23 to certify the new weapons, complete tempest testing and re-certify the ejection seats. All of the work for the project was completed from the APF, to include the maintenance support for all flight operations.

NAVAIR and the Southern Maryland contractor community will continue to be called upon to further the Nation’s security interests by rapidly designing, developing and delivering highly integrated and interoperable warfighting systems of superior capability so those who go in harm’s way can effectively perform their missions and safely return home. It is an important and honorable assignment that NAVAIR and this region will continue to welcome. u

To further ensure integration and interoperability (I&I) of systems delivered to the warfighter, NAVAIR established the Integrated Warfare Capability – Enterprise Team (IWC-ET), with Larry Hollingsworth as the I&I Director/ET lead reporting directly to VADM Dunaway. VADM Dunaway provided an explanation of how the IWC-ET concept will help achieve NAVAIR’s goals when he said, “The IWC-ET will include representatives from our engineering, test and evaluation, and logistics community, with ‘reach back’ to the competencies as they develop the people, processes, tools and technical authority for mission area capabilities within each of their organizations. The team will help integrate our independent pockets of great work into a common environment to capitalize on best practices so we (the government) can uniformly create, own and enforce capability-focused technical standards for IWC. Essentially, the SYSCOM becomes the lead “capability” integrator, which is the only way to create environments that will enable the critical technical interaction required to create a Systems of Systems (SoS) approach.” The IWC-ET team will integrate the tremendous capabilities of NAVAIR’s competencies and programs to support both programs of record and IW/RR efforts.

NAVAIR has a current pilot program which involves integrating fourth-generation long-term evolution, or 4G LTE, cellular communications into a Navy shipboard tactical and operational architecture. This high-speed communications system lets Sailors and

Marines, who are equipped with Android-based smart phones and displays, to have access to voice, text and video communications between ships and remote sensors aboard helicopters up to 20 nautical miles away. After initial testing was completed, the 4G LTE network was deployed to the Persian Gulf to help with anti-piracy efforts. The amphibious assault ship USS KEARSARGE and the amphibious transport dock USS SAN ANTONIO work in concert with a helicopter acting as an “air node” to share video with the ships or a patrol boat responding to a suspected pirate attack. By leveraging the capability of consumer technologies, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) information can be provided in real-time to every warfighter with a smart phone so they have a common operational picture of their mission.

NAVAIR’s expertise in interoperability plays a key role in counter-terrorism by supporting the Consequence Management Communication System (CMCS) Civil Support Teams (CST). These are units of the National Guard deployed during emergencies and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction; terrorism; intentional and unintentional release of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives; natural or man-made disasters that result in catastrophic loss of life or property; or as a cautionary measure during large public gatherings. This year these teams were seen supporting the Presidential Inauguration, Super Bowl, and the Boston Marathon bombing among many other incidents.

CST Unified Command Suite Vehicle

Page 13: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2322

Patuxent river to walloPS fliGht facility fiBer oPtic network exPanSion StatuS

By Bob Russell

The Congress appropriated $14.15 M over fiscal years (FY) 07, 08, and 09 for a dedicated Navy fiber optics based communications network between Naval Air Station Patuxent River and the Wallops Flight Facility. This point-to-point fiber optics-based network will replace the existing microwave data link and significantly increase the data throughput capacity between Patuxent River and Wallops in order to meet the ever increasing data bandwidth requirements needed for Test & Evaluation programs at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). This increased capability will enhance the Atlantic Test Range’s use of the off-shore ranges for current and future programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) and will also provide adequate bandwidth to connect the NAWCAD laboratories with the NASA range infrastructure and the Navy’s surface combatant labs also located at Wallops. To accomplish this, NAWCAD partnered with the Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC), and entered into a cooperative agreement with MdBC in September 2008. MdBC is a public/private partnership to promote economic development through the deployment of technology supporting infrastructure providing broadband services that serve rural Maryland throughout the state. By partnering with MdBC, NAWCAD is able to execute the installation of the dedicated Navy communications network through cost sharing at a significant savings when compared to a “Navy only” effort. The cost savings are achieved through a joint build where the independent NAWCAD and the MdBC cables are installed concurrently.

A significant amount of the fiber optic cable has been buried in the ground on the Eastern Shore and the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay as depicted by the green line on the map. The red dashed line shows the remaining fiber cable to be installed. The more time consuming process has been the State of Maryland permitting for the burial of the submarine cable under the Chesapeake Bay floor. MdBC has been working with the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to obtain this permit. All MDE requirements have now been met. A major milestone was achieved in August 2013 with MDE publishing a public notice that states, “Maryland Broadband Cooperative has applied for authorization to install a fiber optic communications network commencing in Dorchester County, across the Chesapeake Bay, through Calvert County, and terminating in St. Mary’s County”. The public notice also announces two public informational hearings in August 2013, one in Calvert County and one in Dorchester County. Assuming there are no “show stoppers” from the public informational hearings, MdBC will apply for the permit at the Maryland Board of Public Works meeting in October/November. Once the permit is granted MdBC will contract for the fabrication of the 9 mile submarine cable for the Chesapeake Bay burial, will complete the remaining ground fiber cable burial in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester Counties, will complete the fiber cable installation on the Thomas Johnson Bridge, and lastly will bury the submarine cable. With any luck we will see “light at the end of the fiber” in 2014. u

Wallops to Patuxent River Fiber Optic Installation Map

Page 14: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2524

StrateGic Plan uPdate

The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance (SMNA) continues to support both the community and the bases at Patuxent River and St. Inigoes with our Strategic Initiatives.

We are currently awaiting a decision by the FAA on identifying the six locations that will be designated to support integrating UAS platforms into the NAS. However, some very recent news on that front is that the University System of Maryland (USM) has joined with Virginia Tech and Rutgers University in an agreement that if either one or the other is awarded the FAA designation, all three universities will join forces in working with the FAA. This was a significant step forward and, while not guaranteeing an award certainly strengthens our collective position with the FAA. Considerable effort was put into working this coalition by Congressman Steny Hoyer who worked with both Virginia and New Jersey to broker an agreement personally discussing the matter with Governor Chris Christie.

The wind turbine issue is back in the limelight and the Encroachment Committee has been actively engaged. A wind farm is being planned on the Eastern Shore that could have negative impacts on flight testing with the Atlantic Test Range tracking systems. As a result of previous work affecting legislation, the Navy has been in negotiations with the company that will be erecting the wind turbines since any wind turbines that are more than 200 feet high now require the Navy’s approval. The SMNA will continue to monitor and work with both the Navy and state and federal government officials to ensure there are no discernible impacts to the Patuxent River mission.

Our Infrastructure Committee has expanded its role taking on challenges that are critical to our ability to attract new efforts while ensuring the base and the communities are prepared to support any growth. The Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) initiative continues to move along. Recent efforts have focused on the environmental impact study that will be required and conducted by

NAVFAC. Hines, the contractor awarded the EUL contract, has been working with the SMNA and government officials to make sure the EUL continues to make progress. The committee also has been supporting the Southern Maryland 2020 initiative and its focus on IDEA – Innovation, Diversity, Education and Anchor. Working with the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC), the committee, along with other SMNA members met with members of the SMHEC Board of Directors. Those discussions centered on the potential for creating a research center in Southern Maryland for unmanned systems in concert with the USM.

Other committees have continued to move along with their initiatives as well. Contract Support Services (CSS) continues to meet with government officials now that the furloughs have ended … hopefully, for good. They recently participated in a Small Business Forum with ASN RDA Stackley to address concerns with regards to several contracting approaches that have impacted small and large businesses alike. Attention is now being placed on the need to move contract awards forward and helping the contractor community deal with issues like trip-wires and best value versus LPTA awards. The BRAC Committee has been working with Public Private Solutions Group, Inc., a BRAC Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) consulting firm, to develop the SWOT analysis that will help us refocus our efforts or double-down as needed. They will be briefing our County Commissioners once they have recommendations developed to put forward.

There are many things going on and your SMNA has a wonderful set of volunteers that put in the time and effort to work these areas with no compensation or expectation of benefit to their respective companies. This is a community based organization striving to do what’s best for Southern Maryland. In a spirit of cooperation we have worked with many other non-profit organizations as well, like the SMHEC, Patuxent Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County Council, and the Strategic Roundtable. There are many more organizations out there that provide support to the SMNA but the collective work that all these organizations, in particular, do have benefitted our community immensely. u

StronG county Growth continueSby Rebecca Bridgett, Ed.D, County Administrator

St. Mary’s County continues to grow with a population estimate by the US Census Bureau of 108,987 - a 22 percent growth over the last decade. During that same time, the St. Mary’s labor force grew 18.9%. Maryland Department of Planning is projecting that the St. Mary’s County’s labor force will grow to 119,340 by 2030. Residents of St. Mary’s County earn an average weekly wage of $919, and 28% have attained higher education degrees. In addition, St. Mary’s County continues to have one of the youngest populations in the state with a median age of 36, and one of the highest percentages of veterans (12%).

The county’s unemployment rate continues to remain lower than the state and national averages for the past several years largely due to the vital defense aviation programs at the Navy base. In 2012, the county’s unemployment rate was 5.9%, below both Maryland and the Nation.

Despite the many successes which St. Mary’s County has experienced over the last decade, we continue to be ever-mindful of the impending challenges ahead which can impact our local economy. We keep a keen eye on the federal budget cuts including sequestration, furloughs and the possibility of future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives. The Commissioners strongly feel that the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and its associated tenants, is truly a Center of Excellence for our entire nation and should be recognized as such with its primary focus on Naval Aviation but also allowing it to diversify to support our entire nation’s interests.

Community Economic Development strategy

The County Commissioners engaged the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance in June 2013 to provide an analysis of the economic diversity available in St. Mary’s County. Moreover, the Commissioners have allocated $275,000 in FY 2014 to address issues which may affect

the economy due to known and unknown losses in the federal defense budget.

Simultaneously, the Department of Economic and Community Development is developing a comprehensive economic development plan for St. Mary’s County. We are identifying partners to embrace the strategic planning process which will guide the County’s future.

County Budget provides Increase to public safety and Education

The Commissioners approved a FY 2014 general fund budget of $222,665,317 a 5% increase over the previous year. Highlights of the budget include prioritization of public safety and education. For example, the Sheriff ’s Office received 7 new positions, including 2 middle school resource officers, and funding for promotional ranks. The Board of Education received an increase in allocation for employee benefits and a Capital Improvement Program Pay-Go allocation for $9,930,000 to fund the County’s portion of the Spring Ridge Middle School renovation following a fire at the school.

Lexington park Development District Master plan

The 2010 St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan envisioned the Lexington Park Development District as the primary growth area for St. Mary’s County. The purpose of the Plan update is to shape the growth and development of Lexington Park for years to come. The Plan emphasizes a Downtown Revitalization, town development pattern, balanced transportation system, abundant natural spaces, and economic diversification. Upon its completion, the Plan should guide our development district for years to come. The Plan further reflects protecting Patuxent River’s Aircraft Installation Compatibility Use Zone (AICUZ).

FDr Boulevard

The County provides safe, efficient, economical roads which support community revitalization, economic development, and environmental stewardship. The extension of FDR Boulevard will provide improved traffic circulation for the Lexington Park Development

Article continued on page 26

Page 15: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2726

community-military PartnerinG By Tom Evans, Office of Military Affairs, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development

Calendar year 2013 has presented some budgeting obstacles but has also provided some help. Two notable obstacles: reduced FY 13 Base Operations Support budgets; and sequestration which required additional cuts. However Community-Military Partnerships can provide valuable new help.

The 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, 10 USC 2336, included Section 331, INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. This law permits the military services to enter into intergovernmental support agreements with state and local governments for the provision of “installation support services.” Section 331 provides authority to enter into sole source agreements with state and local government to provide, exchange or share installation support services. Installations can use operation and maintenance funds to purchase services from a state or local governmental unit. Likewise, installations can sell O&M services to a state or local government on a sole source basis and keep the funds at the installation. Fair market value exchange is also available. The term may not exceed five years, but it is renewable.

These agreements could be a game-changer for cash-strapped localities because cities/communities would be paid for services provided to local installations. Moreover, because “installation support services” is not defined and encompasses such a broad range of activities, it can be broadly applied to any service that would support a military base and can include utility system operations and maintenance; water and wastewater plant operations and maintenance; sewage and garbage disposal; grounds keeping work; snow and ice removal; and building maintenance. DOD guidance recognizes 48 functional areas of installation support. It can be a win-win situation: Military installations save money because they are relieved of the overhead associated with the operation of many infrastructure services, while at the same time local governments augment their revenue by providing services to local bases that they are already providing their communities.

The authority provided by Section 331 and limitations on the use of that authority are not intended to revoke, preclude, or otherwise interfere with existing or proposed mutual-aid agreements relating to police or fire protection services or other similar first responder agreements or arrangements.

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Office of Military Affairs along with its partner, SAIC, is conducting an inventory of Community-Military Partnerships existing at the major installations in Maryland. The installations are being requested to provide a list of agreements currently in effect or that are being created. This effort is planned to be completed by the end of the year. u

District. The construction contract for the extension of FDR Boulevard between MD 246 and South Shangri La Drive has been awarded and should be completed by December 2013. The final design for the MD 4 to MD 237 portion of the project is anticipated to be completed by September 2013, with construction funding programmed in the County’s capital budget in FY 2015 and FY 2016. The improvements will tie into the reconstructed MD 237 / Amber Drive intersection which was completed by the SHA in May 2012. The final design for FDR Boulevard between MD 237 to Pegg Road is also underway and should be completed by May 2015, which coincides with the capital construction funding currently programmed in FY 2016 and FY 2017. In addition to the fee simple properties that have already been acquired by the County, the Board of County Commissioners approved an MOU with SHA to help streamline the fee simple and easement acquisition process within the project limits.

NextGen 800 Mhz radio system

The County provides infrastructure to accommodate development in growth areas and address adequate

facilities and services outside of the growth areas. St. Mary’s County’s 800 MHz radio system currently consists of four transmit sites in a simulcast configuration. The tower sites are located in Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, California and Dameron. Two new towers will be installed in Valley Lee and Bethune increasing our coverage area. In addition, the County will replace its existing radio system with a new system that is capable of delivering the performance requirements of today’s public safety communications system –namely the provision of reliable in-building radio coverage.

Three Notch Trail

The Three Notch Trail is a 10 ft. wide multi-use trail on the former railroad right-of-way. The Trail enables walking, bicycling, running, roller blading, and horseback riding. The trail also serves as a transportation alternative including horse and buggy access, where necessary, from residential neighborhoods to shopping, restaurants, and businesses. With the most recently approved five-mile extension, Three Notch Trail will be nearly 11 continuous miles long. u

Article continued from page 25

4 reaSonS to Join the navy alliance:it provides a good networking opportunity to expand your business in patuxent River.

it’s a good way for you to get up to date information on the “hot topics” concerning businesses in patuxent River.

it gives you a forum to express your ideas on how to enhance support to the navy in patuxent River.

You will be part of a team that ensures the success of the navy’s mission in patuxent River.

Page 16: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

2928

executiveS

Glen Ives, President

Ken Farquhar, Executive Vice President

Bob Russell, Treasurer

Christine Wray, Secretary

Ed Sierra, Immediate Past President

officerS & Board of directorS

directorS

Brent Bennitt

Lisa Clark

Larry Egbert

Win Everett

Greg Gillingham

Tom Jarboe

Tom Garrison

Brian Norris

Alan Parris

Adelle Pierce

Dawn Rich

Donna Smith

Mike Wettengel

Pete Williams

Robert Wirt

2012–13Southern Marylandnavy alliance leaderShiP

Smna aPPreciateS elected officialS

Throughout the history of the SMNA we have had great support from our congressional leaders and local representatives and this year was no exception.

Congressman Steny Hoyer, as always, has been actively engaged with the SMNA to work across the board on our strategic initiatives. High on the list has been his support with the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) to increase office capacity on the base and to address government furloughs with its impacts inside and outside the gate. Congressman Hoyer has also worked to build a coalition for Patuxent River’s pursuit of work in the Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) arena with the FAA helping to build a tri-state coalition with Virginia and New Jersey engaging directly in discussions with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Senator Barbara Mikulski continues to be a strong advocate for the SMNA and our local community as well. She has been active on several fronts including leading the charge for connecting the Eastern Shore with Patuxent River via a fiber optic link that is well underway and close to completion. This infrastructure improvement will enable better connectivity and data flow between Patuxent River and Wallops for conducting test events. Senator Ben Cardin has also demonstrated his support to SMNA and has engaged us on several occasions to ensure he has a firsthand understanding of the challenges we are facing in order to provide the support required. Both Senators Mikulski and Cardin have further shown their support to the SMNA by having members of their staffs attend our monthly membership meetings reporting back to their respective offices on key issues.

Someone that has been actively involved at the ground level with the SMNA has been Delegate John Bohanan. He has been a key supporter and contributor to our strategic planning process and instrumental in helping our community prepare and position for BRAC and BRAC-like actions that could be taken by the government. Delegate Bohanan has initiated several efforts such as Southern Maryland 2020 and engaging the University System of Maryland (USM) to set up a research center in St. Mary’s for unmanned systems. He was an advocate for the UAS coalition and secured funding to hire a full-time director to market Patuxent River capabilities for commercial UAS and to oversee the FAA UAS proposal response submitted by USM.

Finally, but certainly not least, are our St. Mary’s County Commissioners, of particular note are Commissioner President Jackie Russell and Commissioners Todd Morgan, Danny Morris and Cindy Jones. SMNA has been supported throughout the year by our Commissioners and recently they assisted the SMNA to identify vulnerabilities and key strengths in our County by providing additional funding to support an independent assessment of the County’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as they relate to a potential BRAC or BRAC-like actions.

Although it could be argued that the role of our political representatives is to support these very initiatives, all of our representatives go well beyond “what’s required” and strive to help us with a mutual goal of protecting the primary economic engine in Southern Maryland. Our appreciation is extended to all of them for the support they continuously provide. u

Page 17: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

3130

INCOME

Membership & Participation Private Sector (46) $111,250.00 Public Sector (7) $61,834.00 Interest Income $7,306.00 Total Income $180,390.00 EXPENSES

Program Services $146,458.00 Management & General $30,467.00

Total Expenses $176,925.00

Submitted by Bob Russell, Treasurer, Financial Report

financialsfiScal year endinG 6/30/2013

other navy Alliance Members

The Southern Maryland Navy Alliance is open for participation by any person or organization that supports our goals and objectives. Contributions to the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance are

deductible as a business expense. A membership application is on the last page of this report. Contribution categories are as follows:

Executive Member $7,500 or more Senior Member $5,000

Associate Member $2,500 Contributor $1,000

l American Electronics, Incl AM Pierce & Associatesl Ausley Associatesl Burch Oil, Inc.l Cedar Point Federal Credit Unionl Cherry Cove/Waring Associates/

Lexington Park Hotel Partnersl Coalitions Solutions Integration, Inc.l College of Southern Marylandl Community Bank of Tri-Countyl Compass Systemsl CMI General Contractorsl DDL OMNI Engineering

Corporationl Dayton T. Brown, Inc.

l Dial & Associatesl Facchina Global Servicesl GE Aviationl General Dynamics Information

Technologyl Heron Systemsl Imagine Onel Millison Development Co.l Northrop Grummanl Old Line Bankl Raley, Watts & O’Neilll Raytheonl Research Engineering

Development, Inc.l Resource Management Concepts, Inc.

l Rockwell Collinsl Sabre Systems, Incl Sierra Mgmt. and Tech., Incl Southern MD Higher Ed. Centerl Spalding Consultingl Specialty Systems, Inc.l Stanley Martin Companies, LLCl TASCl Taylor Gas Companyl Technology Security Associatesl Technology Systems &

Business Solutionsl Tri-County Council for So. MDl URSl Whitney, Bradley & Brown

Senior & executive Members(July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013) BAE BAH DCS DynCorp Engility ManTech

MIL Corp. PAE PNC Bank Quality Built Homes SAIC SMARTRONIX

SMECO MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Wildewood Group Wyle

grants &contriButionS

Page 18: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

32

GrantinG aGencieS

T he Southern Maryland Navy Alliance benefits from the support of several government entities. The SMNA could not do its work without their support. The following have

supported the Alliance’s efforts in many ways, including extensive personnel assistance in addition to significant financial grants.

- Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development- st. Mary’s County Government- Calvert County Government

acknowledGementS

Special Appreciation also goes to the following persons/organizations for their support and as-sistance to the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance:

Congressman steny hoyersenator Barbara Mikulskisenator Ben CardinDelegate John BohananBGen. Mike hayes, UsMC (ret.)Thomas o. Evanssarah Lemingsue kullenMuffin Padukiewicz of Historic St. Mary’s Citypatuxent river Naval Air Museumst. Mary’s County Chamber of CommerceThe patuxent partnershipChristine Wray and Ruby Hawks of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

Deb stone

Page 19: 201213 - Navy Alliancenavyalliance.org/news/201207-201306AnnualReport.pdf · 201213 AnnuAl RepoRt to protect and enhance naval aviation and the ... THIS ANNUAL REPORT IS ISSUED BY

Post Office Box 748Hollywood, Maryland 20636

www.somdnavyalliance.com