The U.S. Navy is sparking innovation among Southern Maryland students through the "Navy's Next Jet Competition," which aims to design the future of Naval Aviation. The contest, hosted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), encourages K-12 students from St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert counties to submit their jet designs by October 15, 2023.
Rear Adm. John Dougherty IV, NAWCAD Commander and one of the competition judges, emphasized the region's critical role in aviation excellence. "The aviation pros of Southern Maryland are the foundation of what makes America's Navy the most capable and dominant force in the skies," he said. Dougherty highlighted the competition as a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of aviation innovators.
Participants have the opportunity to win a tour of a NAWCAD squadron, meet pilots, and gain firsthand experience with Naval Aviation. The top designs will be showcased at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.
The competition is divided into three age categories: K-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th grades. Entries will be judged on creativity, feasibility, and innovation. Full competition details are available on the NAWCAD website at https://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcad/Navys-Next-Jet-Competition-2024.
NAWCAD, the epicenter of Naval Aviation's development efforts, collaborates with the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft for this competition. This office oversees the procurement and maintenance of tactical aircraft and equipment for the Navy and Marine Corps.
With more than 17,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel, NAWCAD supports a broad range of operations. It manages test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft for testing, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment activities. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also operates major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida.
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