ST. INIGOES, MD – Today, and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the Special Communications Requirements Facility and the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation Building at Webster Field Annex.

“Patuxent River Naval Air Station is a national asset that is of tremendous importance to our nation’s security,” stated Senator Cardin.  “The dedication of the new communication engineering facility and the groundbreaking for the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Operations Building will enhance our intelligence capabilities and also provide invaluable resources for the Maryland National Guard.”

“I’m pleased to be part of today’s groundbreaking ceremonies for new facilities that will greatly augment two important missions at Webster Field – communications and unmanned aircraft,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “The Special Communications Engineering Facility will ensure Webster Field has the secure space needed to meet the needs of our defense community and the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation facility will support the important mission of the Maryland National Guard. Patuxent River Naval Air Station and Webster Field play strategic roles in our national security efforts, and I will continue to fight for the investments needed to strengthen these installations and support our local economy.”

The Special Communications Engineering Facility will provide additional workspace for the Special Communications Requirements (SCR) group to accommodate expanding communications work for both Department of Defense and other government agencies. It is the second SCR facility built at Webster Field and includes secure space, which will benefit the unit in better serving its customers. Congressman Hoyer, working with Senators Cardin and Barbara Mikulski, secured $11.043 million in funding for the new facility, and secured $5.1 million for the first facility in 2004.

The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation facility will support the training and readiness of the Maryland National Guard’s unmanned aerial systems and units. Congressman Hoyer and Senator Cardin supported the President’s budget request for the building, and ensured the facility did not get cut from the budget. 

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