NAS Patuxent River Air Show 2026: Drone And Boating Restrictions Visitors Need To Know

The NAS Patuxent River Air Show in June 2026 will be accompanied by a temporary Boating Safety Enforcement Zone along parts of the lower Patuxent River from June 19 through June 21, as announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries. The zone centers on Solomons Harbor and surrounding waters where air-show demonstrations will take place, with mariners facing heightened police presence and possible movement restrictions. In parallel, a separate federal security zone around NAS Patuxent River will be strictly enforced under federal rules, covering waters adjacent to flight operations areas and seaplane basin approaches.

Separately, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office issued a Temporary Flight Restriction from June 17 to 22 prohibiting all aircraft, including recreational drones, within a five-mile radius of the installation to support military flights and air-show operations. Violators face FAA enforcement; local officers and Coast Guard patrol the water during the event weekend. Operators are advised to consult navigation charts and follow instructions from officers and temporary markers. These measures are designed to safeguard both the public and military aircraft activity. The enforcement will be active throughout the weekend with patrols and temporary markers.