Pax River Press August 2024 by APG Chesapeake

P AX PRESS RIVER

AUGUST 2024

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The name Pax River Press is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.

This paper is published by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC, 29088 Airpark Drive, Easton, MD. 21601. 410-770-4005, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under an exclusive written Memorandum of Understanding with Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

This commercial enterprise magazine is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Pax River Press are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or

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Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. All editorial content submitted to Pax River Press is subject to editing and is approved by the Public Affairs Office of NAS Patuxent River. Editorial content should be submitted by Friday one month prior to be considered for the following month’s edition. To inquire about news copy, call 240-801-2258 or send an email to ewohlenhaus@dcmilitary.com.

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Pax River Recognizes Sailors at All Hands Call

NAS Patuxent River Commanding Ofcer presented decorations June 20 to several members of the command for their exemplary work.

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Ynocincio Martinez receives the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for meritorious service as a command duty officer onboard NAS Patuxent River from November 2020 to June 2024.

Electronics Technician 1st Class John Thompson receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as Ground Electronics Radar leading petty officer and port operations leading petty officer onboard NAS Patuxent River from April 2021 to July 2024.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Erika San Martin-Crabtree Martinez receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as sector controller and command suicide prevention coordinator onboard NAS Patuxent River from June 2019 to June 2024.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Christian Kerr receives the Navy and Marines Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as patrol officer June 6, 2024. Ker provided life-saving measures to an unresponsive driver at NRC Solomons prior to EMS personnel’s arrival on scene.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mercedes Terry receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as section patrolman onboard NAS Patuxent River from April 1519, 2024 during NAS Patuxent River’s Final Evaluation Problem.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Aaron Krouse receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as range leading petty officer onboard NAS Patuxent River from March to April 2024 during the NAS Patuxent River Final Evaluation Problem.

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Syrenia Cuevas receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as clearance delivery controller onboard NAS Patuxent River from April 2020 to July 2024.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Hannah Wallace receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as section patrolman onboard NAS Patuxent River from April 1519, 2024 during NAS Patuxent River’s Final Evaluation Problem

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Nathan Evans receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as Webster Outlying Field facility watch supervisor and ground controller onboard NAS Patuxent River from July 2021 to July 2024

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Devon Anzelmo receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as clearance delivery controller and training petty officer onboard NAS Patuxent River from June 2021 to July 2025.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) 3rd Class Klayton Adcock receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as airfield services maintenance technician onboard NAS Patuxent River from June 2021 to June 2024.

NAS Patuxent River Security Officer Lt. Charles Whittenton presents the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to MA1 David Campbell for professional achievement as section leading petty officer onboard NAS Patuxent River from April 15-19, 2024 in direct support of NAS Patuxent River’s Final Evaluation Problem.

NAS Patuxent River Security Officer Lt. Charles Whittenton presents the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to MA2 Jonathan Stagliano for professional achievement as section patrolman onboard NAS Patuxent River from January to April 2024 in direct support of NAS Patuxent River’s Final Evaluation Problem.

Kerr Reups for Six More

MA2 Christian Kerr reafrms his commitment to the U.S. Navy June 28 at NAS Patuxent River’s command fag pole in front of friends, shipmates, and family. Kerr recited the Oath of Enlistment from command Chaplain Lt. Israel Alvarado.

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Installation Welcomes Six New Pax Pros

NAS Patuxent River welcomed its newest Pax Pros at the command all hands call June 20. NAS Patuxent River Commanding Ofcer Capt. Doug-

las Burfeld presented the new members with their command ball caps and patches, ofcially welcoming them to the command.

ABH3 Gordon Stijak

MASR David Trout-Carmen

ET3 Lewis Espinoza

MA2 Jacob Ropelewski

AO1 Michael Hoke

FCA2 Austin Conder

U.S. Naval Test Pilot School changes command

From NAWCAD Public Affairs

Cmdr. Travis Hartman took command of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) from Lt. Col. Aaron Kia during an airborne change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on June 27.

Former USNTPS Commander Capt. Glenn Rioux, Military Director for Engineering at the Naval Air Systems Command, presided over the ceremony.

“We all know the documented attributes of your command, but those undocumented attributes stand out: courage, empowerment, resilience and effective communication,” said Rioux on Kia’s years at USNTPS. “Cmdr. Hartman, get ready for an amazing and humbling experience.”

The in-fight exchange took place with Hartman fying an F/A-18 Super Hornet and Kia in a C-12 Huron.

Hartman, who is the 52nd headmaster for the school, assumes command after serving as the USNTPS executive offcer for the past 18 months.

“I am honored to be counted [as part of the test community] and commit to ‘embracing the orange’ to earn my place in this much-respected company,” said Hartman. Hartman is originally from Missouri and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005, and USNTPS in 2014 with Class 145. The tactical pilot began his fight test career with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. In 2015, he earned a master’s degree in engineering science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He served as department head with Strike Fighter Squadron 146 and deployed onboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) before returning to VX-23. In 2021, Hartman reported to the

Program Executive Offce for Tactical Aircraft Programs as deputy program manager for the Next Generation Air Dominance program (PMA-230). In 2022, he transitioned to USNTPS as executive offcer.

“Command is truly the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Kia. “It has been an honor to serve with [Hartman] and I’m excited to see you lead USNTPS into the future.”

Kia, originally from Hawaii, is an Army acquisition offcer and the third Army commander in USNTPS history. The rotary pilot commissioned as second lieutenant Army Reserve Offcer Training Corps’ Aviation Branch in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California. He also graduated from USNTPS in 2014 with Class 145 and earned a master ’s degree in engineering systems from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 2016. Prior to coming to USNTPS, he was assigned to the Advanced Aviation Assessment program where he developed weapon systems for U.S. Special Operations Command. Kia moves on to the Program Executive Offce for Aviation at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

USNTPS is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the test wing under Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The school trains the world’s fnest developmental test pilots, fight offcers, engineers, industry and foreign partners in full-spectrum test and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems. USNTPS is forefront in development of modern test techniques and leads aviation in standardization of fight test. It is the only domestic source of rotary wing test pilots serving.

Cmdr. Travis Hartman, incoming commander to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony held in the school’s hangar at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland on June 27, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Erik Hildebrandt)

PMA-272 welcomes new leadership

From PMA 272 Public Affairs

The Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Offce (PMA-272) welcomed new leadership when Col. Russell A. “Bubba” Strange assumed command as program manager from Brig. Gen. Tamara Campbell during a change of command ceremony June 11 at the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building at NAS Patuxent River.

PMA-272 manages the development, acquisition, and sustainment of operational advances in aircraft survivability equipment.

Recently pinned as brigadier general, Campbell, served as the program manager since August 2020, taking the lead amid the COVID pandemic.

“It underscored the dynamic changes we experienced as a program offce over the past four years,” she said.

Looking back on her time as program manager, Campbell lauded the 272 team for their resilience and

the way they supported one another inside and outside the offce.

“We went through some very hard times during COVID and afterwards, and lost some close friends and coworkers,” she said. “This team showed up for each other each and every day.”

Campbell added that maintaining focus on the basics – cost, schedule and performance – and redoubling efforts to build strong stakeholder relationships enabled the team to overcome the challenges of loss and the changing fscal environment.

“The strength of a team is not how they react in good times, but how they recover from adversity,” she said. “This team is strong and continues to ensure that our Sailors and Marines can fy fearlessly!”

The program unveiled numerous initiatives to advance the development of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) designed to increase advocacy and

Brig. Gen. Tamara Campbell passes leadership of the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Office (PMA-272) to Col. Russell A. “Bubba” Strange, June 11, during a change of command ceremony at the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building at NAS Patuxent River.

understanding for key ASE programs moving forward. These included an ASE Strategy for the Future, the Joint Airborne Mission Survivability (JAMS) initiative, and the PMA-272 Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence concept.

Some of the accomplishments during the last four years include: initiating the high visibility Common Carriage, Integrated ASE, and Advanced RF Decoy Programs of Record (PoR); upgrading and felding the ALQ-214 onboard jammer, further development of the Advanced Dual Band (Towed) Decoy; and expanding the PMA footprint with allies and international partners.

In 2020, they won the NAVAIR Commander’s Award for signifcant accomplishments in improving, testing and felding Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force smallto-medium aircraft survivability capability against today’s most critical threats with the AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure (DAIRCM) Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONS).

Campbell led the standup of the AN/AAQ-45 DAIRCM POR, an ACAT II Program, and ensured the continuation of the DAIRCM POR that will deliver critical infrared missile defensive capability to USMC, USAF, USA and partner nations.

Campbell’s support of cradle-to-grave development, testing and evaluation, and felding of Air Expendable Countermeasures (AECM), included the development, testing and felding of new advanced countermeasures including the MJU-76/B, MJU77/B, MJU-78/B and RR-203.

Campbell’s next assignment is Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command.

Strange said he’s looking forward to joining the 272 team and “being in the arena with a phenomenal team providing critical capability to those who are defending our way of life.”

Strange, a graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Shortly after, he earned his Naval Flight Offcer wings, completed EA-6B Prowler Fleet Replacement Squadron training, and was designated an Electronic Countermeasures Offcer.

During his career, Strange completed two combat deployments to Al Asad Air Base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, completed assignments with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VMAQ) 1; Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14; and Marine Corps Base Quantico’s Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch.

His NAVAIR assignments include: two tours with the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Offce (PMA-234) as the Military Deputy Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL) of the AN/ALQ-231 Intrepid Tiger II and then as the Deputy Program Manager of both Airborne Electronic Attack Products and EA-6B; the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Program Offce (PMA-263) as the Military Medium UAS IPTL for RQ-21A Blackjack and Unmanned Logistics Systems – Air; and the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Offce (PMA-261) as the Deputy Program Manager of the CH-53K.

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Dotson Commissioned at NAS Patuxent River

From NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Hospital Corpsman Quinton Dotson was formally commissioned in a ceremony at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park July 2 in front of friends, family, and colleagues.

The former Hospital Corpsman 1st Class previously served as the NAS Patuxent River Command Climate Specialist, providing analysis and recommendations regarding all informal, formal, and anonymous harassment and prohibited discrimination complaints to the command while adhering to, and informing of, all changes in the OPNAVINST 5354.1H. But his goals were set higher once he earned his doctorate in research psychology from Capella University.

Dotson began the arduous task of earning his doctorate through undergrad studies in the feld of psychology prior to joining the command, gaining Associate of Science in Human Biology, Bachelor of

Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science in Psychology degrees along the way.

“My Research interest are General Psychology, Positive Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Intervention Therapeutic Potential, Serotonergic Research, Generic Qualitative Inquiry, Qualitative Studies, Quantitative Studies, PTSD, and Emotional Wellbeing,” added Dotson, whose dissertation explored emotional wellbeing of study participants who had previously used the psychoactive Ayahuasca. “Framed within the theoretical underpinnings of Maslow’s Extended Hierarchy of Needs Theory, my dissertation considered the spiritual dimensions of participants’ experiences, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of their overall wellbeing.”

Dotson recited the Oath of Offce from NAS Patuxent River Commanding Offcer Capt. Douglas Burfeld, and received his shoulder boards from the NAS

Patuxent River Command Master Chief CMDCM Ryan Colosimo and Dynee Colosimo. He received his combination cover from his mother Patricia Dotson. In a unique turn of events, Dotson was commended twice at his commissioning ceremony, receiving two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. The frst was earned earlier this year when he was named NAS Patuxent River’s Sailor of the Year 2023, but had yet to be presented by the command due to Dotson’s demanding schedule. The second was his end of tour award, which cited Dotson for meritorious service as the command climate specialist onboard NAS Patuxent River from May 2022 to July 2024. In his remarks at the ceremony, Dotson recounted the diffculties he faced trying to juggle the demands of an active duty career while undertaking a doctoral program, but noted the support of his friends and the command for helping him persevere.

“Thank you for seeing ‘Lieutenant Dotson’ before I could see Lieutenant Dotson; I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I’m so thankful,” he said after offering his thanks to gathered colleagues, noting in particular the Pax River Chiefs’ Mess for their guidance along the way. “I really look forward to this new transition, but that does not mean that this was easy. When I got close to throwing in the towel, I went to talk to the Command Master Chief and I told him, ‘I can’t do this. I don’t understand how you can get a PhD and be active duty military at the same time. It’s impossible.’ And he said, ‘ Calm down, it’s possible, you can do it, it’s been done, it can happen.’ And sometimes that’s all you need. So after that, those words kept replaying in my head, ‘It can be done, it can be done, it can be done.’ And he was right.”

Dotson joins an elite cadre of offcers in the U.S. Navy as a research psychologist, a group that numbers fewer than 30 Navy-wide.

From Lacrosse Pro to LEO: The Journey of Craig Day Marvin

By Xavier Jarmon

NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Craig Day Marvin is no stranger to running down adversaries. As a Navy Master-at-Arms, he has trained physically and mentally to engage with a number of opponents. But prior to doing standing a security watch, he was doing it on the lacrosse. The security specialist with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Four Detachment Patuxent River has a profound love for the sport of lacrosse which he plays professionally, but also shares a personal connection to.

“I have been playing lacrosse since I could hold a stick,” Marvin claims. “I am Mohawk & Wolf Clan from Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation [Akwesasne] from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy [People of the longhouse] in upstate New York and Canada. It’s part of my heritage and called the Creators Game

and when we are born, we are given a miniature wooden lacrosse stick, and it is put in our cradle. It is a medicine game for us as we play it for the creator and healing purposes.”

Marvin has had many years’ experience with the sport, playing in leagues since he was 12 in New York, and rising through the competitive ranks. He earned bronze playing in 2002 The North American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg, Canada, before going semi-pro with the Canadian-American (CANAM) Lacrosse League’s Senior B league Onondaga Redhawks and the National Lacrosse League Rochester Knighthawks. CAN-AM Allegany Arrows, and eventually becoming an owner-manager of the CAN-AM Rochester Greywolves team.

“In 2016 I was asked to manage and coach the Pinewoods Smoke CAN-AM team where I ended up playing as well,” said Marvin. “I assembled a winning

team making it to the Championship both seasons only to fall short to the Native Sons both times. At this time, I was starting a family and at 35 I decided to retire and hang my gloves up.”

In addition to lacrosse, Marvin had also established himself in the feld of graphic design, working in the industry for 19 years before changing course.

“I felt it was time to make a change and do something that would beneft myself and family long term,” said Marvin, “and I had a great job set up and was waiting to start my new career, then the 2020 pandemic hit, and my new job decided to shut down and work with minimal manning. At this point days turned to weeks then months and I needed to make moves; nobody was hiring for what I was looking for and I needed so I looked into the military. I have a long military family tree tracing back to the Civil War and my dad being a Marine and an uncle who was a Mohawk Code Talker in WW2. I always wanted to join the armed forces, but I had a career and at this point in my life I thought I was too old, but there I was shipping out to Boot Camp in April of 2021 at age 38.”

Despite being an older recruit, Marvin thrived in Navy life, even drawing parallels between his old passion and new career.

“I was looking for health benefts, retirement plan and job security, and ultimately joining the Navy gave me pride and to serve a greater purpose and honor the warriors that came before me, said Marvin. “Like the Navy and

team sorts, you have to work together, communicate and execute the play/mission to be successful.”

Marvin enjoyed his new role in the Navy, but still felt something was missing from his civilian life.

“After Joining I would see be driving by a park or a school and see kids play and I would remember how I felt when I was that age, and the joy that the medicine game gave me, said Marvin. “So, when I knew I was coming back to the East Coast especially Maryland which is a hotbed for lacrosse, I knew I would have an opportunity to play again. After speaking to a few of my contacts in the league offce I was referred to the four teams in Mid-Atlantic Division of the North American Box Lacrosse League and I had two teams reach out wanting to take a look at me. Ultimately, I decided to go with Virginia as they understood I was active-duty Navy and offered to work together with my schedule.”

He has since been called up to the Senior A Virginia Golden Bears team since rejoining the sport. Now 40 and considered a veteran player, Marvin relishes the opportunity to not only play but mentor on and off the feld.

“Being older and having life experience I’m able to mentor and give advice to my junior Sailors so they can become good leaders, and being a veteran player and I feel that translates to the feld as well knowing I can communicate to my teammates when, where and what to do to execute all aspects of the game.”

Fire Controlman (AEGIS) 1st Class Austin Conder and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jacob Ropelewski were frocked to their new ranks during a command all hands call June 20.

2023 Drinking Water Consumer Confdence Report

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland

Public Water System Identifcation (PWSID) MD0180022

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted bebe. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NASPR) is pleased to present this year’s Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confdence Report) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This report is designed to provide details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. This report is a snapshot of last year’s water quality. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates Public Water Systems and the contaminants found in water through the implementation of the SDWA. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is responsible for the enforcement of the SDWA. MDE routinely conducts inspections and provides a yearly monitoring schedule for all public water systems. Monitoring schedules include the collection of monthly bacteria samples, annual nitrate samples, monitoring of chlorine disinfectant residuals, and other parameters sampled in multi-year intervals. In addition to the EPA and MDE, the NASPR Public Works Department conducts routine inspections and sampling to ensure the highest water quality is provided to the consumer.

Beginning April 1, 2024, NASPR has transferred ownership and operation of the drinking water distribution to Patuxent River Utility Services (PRUS), a subsidiary of American Systems Utilities Services (ASUS). NASPR Public Works Department and PRUS work in unison to ensure the water quality meets all Federal, State, and Navy requirements. PRUS contact information is available on the last page of this report.

Where does my water come from?

The NASPR water delivered to you is supplied from the Piney Point-Nanjemoy, Patapsco, and Aquia Aquifers, which are groundwater sources in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The recharge zone for these aquifers is a broad area approximately 25-75 miles north and northeast from our source. Your water is treated by chlorination, accomplished by injecting chlorine into the water supply. Chlorine kills bacteria and other microbes and prevents the spread of waterborne diseases. The water is chlorinated to ensure it is delivered safely to your building or residence.

Source Water

MDE’s Water Supply Program has conducted a Source Water Assessment (SWA) for NASPR. The susceptibility analysis

of this report is based on a review of the existing water quality data for each water system, the presence of potential sources of contamination in the individual assessment areas, well integrity, and aquifer characteristics. It was determined that the NASPR water supply is not susceptible to contaminants originating at the land surface due to the protected nature of the confned aquifers. The wells pumping from the Aquia aquifer are susceptible to naturally occurring arsenic. The susceptibility of the water to radon-222, a naturally occurring element, will depend on the fnal MCL that is adopted for this contaminant. The Source Water Assessment is available at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/water_supply/ Source_Water_Assessment_Program/Pa ges/sm.aspx.

Why are there contaminants in my drinking water?

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants: such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants: such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides: which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants: which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Important Health Information

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. The EPA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-4264791).

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Naval Air Station Patuxent River is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk. Before drinking tap water, fush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a flter certifed by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifer to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact the Environmental Division Director (contact information at end of report). Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

While your drinking water meets EPA standards for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health effects such as skin damage and circulatory problems.

Water Quality Data

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report. Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water. All sources of drinking water contain some naturally occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive, and in most cases, would not provide increased protection of public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may actually improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional value at low levels. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report. The EPA and MDE require us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not vary signifcantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. As such, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one year old. In this table, you will fnd terms and abbreviations that might not be familiar to you. To help you better understand these terms, we have provided the defnitions below.

\Notice of Violations

NASPR received 2 monitoring violations for the 2023 calendar year. There is no immediate concern for the water quality at NASPR, no alternative water sources are necessary. Any concerns or questions consumers have regarding water quality and/or violations can be directed to the Environmental Division Director, contact information available on the last page of this report.

As required by MDE, the following information is provided for consumer awareness:

1. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (June 1, 2023-August 31, 2023)

We failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant and period indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during the period indicated. Some people who drink water containing Trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

This monitoring was due to unexpected lab equipment failure, the samples were collected on time, but unable to be analyzed in the given timeframe. The samples were analyzed when the lab equipment became functional, and the results were compliant with Federal, State, and Navy safe drinking water standards.

Term Definition

ppm milligrams per liter or parts per million - or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water

ppb micrograms per liter or parts per billion - or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water

pCi/L Picocuries per liter (a measure of radioactivity)

NA Not applicable

MCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

TT Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

AL Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

MRDLG Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal. The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

MRDL Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Inorganic Contaminants

Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from orchards; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes.

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. Radioactive Contaminants

Average Regulatory compliance with some MCLs are based on running annual average of monthly samples.

Level 1

Assessment A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system

Level 2

Assessment A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

2023 Water Quality Data:

Contaminants

(There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants)

Chlorine (as Cl2) (ppm)

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

TTHMs [Total Trihalomethanes] (ppb)

No Water additive used to control microbes.

of drinking water disinfection.

2. Lead and Copper Rule (Oct 1, 2022- Jan 11, 2023)

We failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant and period indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during the period indicated. The Lead and Copper Rule protects public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, primarily by reducing water corrosivity. Lead and copper enter drinking water mainly from corrosion of lead and copper containing plumbing materials.

The monitoring violation was due to late sampling and reporting for Lead and Copper. Of the 30 required samples, 1 sample was collected and analyzed late. Once collected, the sample was analyzed and the result was compliant with Federal, State, and Navy safe drinking water standards. What are per- and polyfuoroalkyl substances and where do they come from?

Per- and polyfuoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals. PFAS have been used in a variety of industries and consumer products around the globe, including in the U.S., since the 1940s. PFAS have

Contaminants

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives.

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits.

Notice of Violations

As required by MDE, the following information is provided for consumer awareness:

been used to make coatings and products that are used as oil and water repellents for carpets, clothing, paper packaging for food, and cookware. They are also contained in some foams (aqueous flm-forming foam or AFFF) currently used for fghting petroleum fres at airfelds and in industrial fre suppression processes. PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment and some are persistent in the human body – meaning they do not break down and they can accumulate over time.

Is there a regulation for PFAS in drinking water?

On April 10, 2024, the US EPA established MCLs for a subset of PFAS chemicals. Visit the EPA’s website to learn these limits for PFAS at https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfuoroalkyl substances-pfas. EPA requires implementation of sampling in accordance with the new MCLs within three years of the publication date and implementation of any required treatment within fve years.

These limits did not apply for the 2023 calendar year because they had not been published. However, the DoD proactively promulgated policies to monitor drinking water for PFAS at all service owned and operated water systems at a minimum of every two years. The DoD policy states that if

water sampling results confrm that drinking water contains PFOA and PFOS at individual or combined concentrations greater than the 2016 EPA health advisory (HA) level of 70 ppt, water systems must take immediate action to reduce exposure to PFOS or PFAS. For levels less than 70 ppt but above the 4 ppt level (draft at the time of policy publication), DoD committed to planning for implementation of the levels once EPA’s published MCLs take effect.

Has Naval Air station Patuxent River tested its water for PFAS in 2023?

Yes. In December, 2023, samples were collected from all points of entry within the distribution system. This included Wells 529, 532, 536, 574, 590, 617, 1633, and pump houses 525, 526, 527, and 528. Wells 583, 584, and 587 will be sampled this year.

We are pleased to report that drinking water testing results were below the Method Reporting Limit (MRL) for all 29 PFAS compounds covered by the sampling method, including PFOA and PFOS. This means that PFAS were not detected in your water system. In accordance with DoD policy, the water system will be resampled every two years for your continued protection.

Water Conservation Tips

Did you know that the average U.S. household uses approximately 400 gallons of water per day or 100 gallons per person per day? Luckily, there are many low-cost and no-cost ways to conserve water. Small changes can make a big difference - try one today and soon it will become second nature.

• Take short showers - a 5-minute shower uses 4 to 5 gallons of water compared to up to 50 gallons for a bath.

• Shut off water while brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and shaving to save up to 500 gallons a month.

• Use a water-effcient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Water plants only when necessary.

• Fix leaky toilets and faucets. Faucet washers are inexpensive and take only a few minutes to replace. To check your toilet for a leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without fushing, you have a leak. Fixing it or replacing it with a new, more effcient model can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Teach your kids about water conservation to ensure a future generation that uses water wisely. Make it a family effort to reduce next month’s water bill!

• Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for more information.

Source Water Protection Tips

Protection of drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect your community’s drinking water source in several ways:

Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides - they contain hazardous chemicals that can reach your drinking water source.

Pick up after your pets.

If you have your own septic system, properly maintain your system to reduce leaching to water sources or consider connecting to a public water system.

Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil to a recycling center. Volunteer in your community. Find a watershed or wellhead protection organization in your community and volunteer to help. If there are no active groups, consider starting one. Use the EPA’s Adopt Your Watershed to locate groups in your community, or visit the Watershed Information Network’s How to Start a Watershed Team.

Organize a storm drain-stenciling project with your local government or water supplier. Stencil a message next to the street drain reminding people to “Dump No Waste - Drains to River” or “Protect Your Water.” Produce and distribute a fyer for households to remind residents that storm drains dump directly into your local water body.

How can I get involved?

The NASPR works diligently to provide top quality drinking water to every tap. As residents, employees, and caretakers here, please help us protect our water sources. We welcome your suggestions to help maintain our high quality level of drinking water as well as to conserve water throughout the Installation. NASPR has initiated an Installation Drinking Water Committee (IDWC) that meets quarterly. If you have questions or concerns you would like added to the IDWCs agenda, please call or email the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Public Works Department, Environmental Division Director where we can discuss and respond each quarter:

NASPR Environmental Division Director

Lance E. McDaniel

22445 Peary Rd., Building 504 Patuxent River, MD 20670 (240) 682-0781

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered. Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it and during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation.

lance.e.mcdaniel.civ@us.navy.mil

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