Welcome to Naval Support Facility Indian Head – a 3,400-acre peninsula where essential Navy and Marine Corps missions support the critical needs of the Department of Defense.

Founded in 1890, the facility at Indian Head was the Navy’s first established presence in southern Maryland. What began many years ago as a gun test facility on the Potomac River has evolved and expanded to includenumerous scientific and response-forcemissions serving all branches of the military – Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines.

Surrounded by the Potomac River and Mattawoman Creek, the Indian Head facility is strategically and ideally situated less than 30 miles south of the nation’s capital. In addition to its military value, the Indian Head Navy installation makes a significant economiccontribution to the local community byserving as one of Charles County, Maryland’s largest employers.

Today’s military community on board Naval Support Facility Indian Head represents a diverse and strategically important mix of research and development activities, alongside operational support programs that are protecting the U.S. homeland from terrorist threats, as well as serving U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army forces deployed worldwide on a daily basis.

Within this document, you will find information on Naval Support Facility Indian Head, to include the military value, economic impact and community outreach of the commands resident at Indian Head. We hope this 2010 Base Guide proves to be an informational and useful tool for you to become acquainted with our installation.

Catherine T. Hanft
Commanding Officer
Naval Support Activity South Potomac