U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced the Department of Defense fiscal year 2010 funding bill puts $6.5 million in the federal checkbook to support the work of Patuxent River Surface and Aviation Interoperability Laboratory and Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center in Southern Maryland. 

The legislation, funds the Department of Defense and provides equipment and funding for the operations of the United States military.  

This year’s bill includes $5 million to upgrade the Patuxent River Surface and Aviation Interoperability (SAIL) facility with the Navy’s Ship Self Defense System. This will allow for a wider range of simulations for Navy Ships and airplanes tested at Pax River, improving the interoperability of Navy’s aircraft carrier battle groups’ communications systems.   

The bill also includes $1.5 million to create a technology transfer office between the Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center and federal, state, and local partners in Maryland. This office will help local organizations access available technology that may be used in commercial applications. The office will be at Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center.