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NSWC IHD is a major supported command located on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, Maryland, a 3,500-acre peninsula surrounded by the Potomac River and the Mattawoman Creek in Charles County, Maryland.

Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) is the host command of NSF Indian Head, providing shore installation management services to all supported commands and residents on board NSF Indian Head.

Entry Procedures

NSF Indian Head is a secure installation. All visitors, including military, civilian and contract personnel, must have prior approval to entering the installation. To avoid problems, please make arrangements with your point of contact ahead of your visit. For U.S. citizens, five days’ notice is sufficient for most visits; visiting foreign nationals must have information on file in the security office prior to arrival and should make arrangements as early as possible (at least two weeks prior to arrival is preferred).

Personnel entering NSF Indian Head must show either a CAC (Common Access Card), RAPIDGate badge or retiree/dependent military ID to gain access. Personnel entering Stump Neck Annex must show a CAC or RAPIDGate badge to gain access (retiree/dependent military IDs are not accepted at Stump Neck). Personnel who do not have the required ID Cards should go directly to the Pass Office located just prior to the main gate at either facility. Visitors must be sponsored by either military, NSASP, or supported command personnel and process through the Pass Office. Once inside the Pass Office you will be asked to identify your sponsor. Please have their phone number ready in case there are issues.

At the time the visitor's badge is requested, a valid photo ID (state operator's license or state-issued ID), proof of current automobile insurance and current vehicle registration card must be presented. The issued visitor’s badge must be worn clearly above the waist at all times while on-site.

Parking Instructions

Visitors may generally park in any unmarked spaces as well as spaces marked as visitor parking. There are a limited number of spaces reserved for handicap parking. Do not park in any numbered or otherwise marked reserved spaces. Certain VIP visitors or groups may have temporary spaces reserved for them.

Restrictions and Precautions

Please observe the following while visiting the facilities:

  • No personal electronic devices (e.g., cell phones)
  • No cameras allowed
  • No parking in numbered or otherwise marked reserved spaces
  • Display your visitor badge at all times
  • No firearms or alcoholic beverages are permitted

NOTE: All those visiting the restricted area will receive and must sign a copy of the NSF Indian Head restricted area rules.

Emergency Services

For the Emergency Services Dispatch Center for Police and Fire/EMS office:

  • Dial 301-744-4111 for police emergency
  • Dial 301-744-4381 for non-emergency - Indian Head Site
  • Dial 301-744-6800 for non-emergency – Stump Neck Annex
  • Dial 301-744-4333 for fire/EMS emergency
  • Dial 301-744-4370 for non-emergency

Important Numbers

  • Pass & ID Office (Indian Head): 301-744-4379/4311
  • Pass & ID Office (Stump Neck): 301-744-6579
  • Commanding Officer: 301-744-1600
  • Technical Director: 301-744-6519
  • Deputy Technical Director: 301-744-4669
  • NSWC IHD Public Affairs Office: 301-744-6505

Driving Directions to NSF Indian Head

From Baltimore (BWI): Route I-95 West, merge onto Route 295 South (Baltimore Washington Parkway). Merge onto Route 495 South to exit 3/Route 210/Indian Head Highway, Indian Head. Continue South on Indian Head Highway approximately 20 miles to main gate.

From Virginia (Reagan National): I-495E/I-95N toward Baltimore, over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Exit 2/Rt. 210/Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head. Continue South on Indian Head Hwy, approximately 20 miles to main gate.

From Virginia (Dulles): I-495S/Capital Beltway toward Richmond/Alexandria, over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Exit 3 (3A on the local lanes)/Rt.210/Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head. Continue South on Indian Head Hwy approximately 20 miles to main gate.

From Maryland, points north (Rockville/Gaithersburg/College Park): 495 South to Exit 3/Rt.210/Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head. Continue South on Indian Head Hwy approximately 20 miles to front gate.

From Southern Maryland (St. Mary’s/Pax River): Take Route 5 North to Route 6 towards La Plata. Turn North onto Route 301 for 1 mile then left onto Route 225,Hawthorne Road towards Indian Head for 10.5 miles. Turn left onto Route 210 until road ends at entrance to base.

From Annapolis/Maryland Eastern Shore: Route 50 West to Route 301 South. Follow 301 South to Waldorf. Bear right on Route 228 approximately 6.9 miles before bearing left onto Route 210 South. Follow Route 210 approximately 10 miles to the main gate.

From Virginia (Dahlgren): 301 North to La Plata. Turn left on Route 225, Hawthorne Road and travel 10.5 miles to Route 210. Turn left onto Route 210 until road ends at entrance to base.

Visitors without a DoD CAC or those visitors with a DoD CAC who are visiting the restricted area must check in at the Visitor Control Center located in the small brick building to the right just before the main gate. Follow the right lane and park behind the Visitor Control Center.

Driving Directions to Stump Neck Annex

Stump Neck Annex is located 25 miles south of the Washington Beltway in Charles County, Maryland. From I-495 take Exit 3 South (Route 210, Indian Head Highway). Continue on roughly 18 miles and turn left at the light next to General Smallwood Middle School onto Route 225, Hawthorne Road. Go approximately 1.5 miles to the next light and turn right on Route 224, Chicamuxen Road. Continue on 5.7 miles until you see the Navy Base Stump Neck Annex sign and turn right onto Stump Neck Road.

Visitors without a DoD CAC must check in at the Visitor Control Center located just before and to right of the front gate.

Driving Directions to Picatinny Detachment

http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/about/visitors_guide/directions.aspx