ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today visited Charles County to tour the Indian Head Naval base, Oasis Fresh Food Market, and participate in a kayak tour on Mallows Bay. The Governor’s visit reinforces the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to supporting local communities and economic development in Maryland.

“I’m excited to be back in Charles County to meet with leaders at the local, state, and federal levels who are doing the work to deliver for the people of Maryland and build a more prosperous future for all,” said Gov. Moore. "Today’s visit demonstrates our administration’s commitment to driving economic growth in all corners of our state by moving in partnership.”?

This morning, the Governor met with U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer and other elected officials to tour the Naval Support Facility at Indian Head, the Navy’s first base in southern Maryland and the oldest continuously operating naval ordnance base in the country. The base is home to the Smart Arsenal and the Energetics Comprehensive Modernization Plan. The base is the largest employer in Charles County with 4,771 direct and indirect jobs and exceeds $700 million in annual revenue. 

The Governor and Congressman Hoyer were joined by Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin and other officials to tour the Oasis Fresh Food Market, the Town of Indian Head’s first dedicated grocery store in more than twenty years. As a community-based independent grocery store, the market will offer a range of fresh and affordable essentials like produce and meats. In 2025, the property will also include a community garden and gathering space. The entire project received $5.5 million in funding from federal, state, and local partners, including more than $300,000 in strategic demolition funds through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. 

To conclude his visit, Governor Moore and Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins and county commissioners participated in a kayak tour of the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary encompasses 18 square miles within the Maryland waters of the Potomac River off the shores of the Nanjemoy Peninsula and co-managed by the comunty, the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and Planning, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Together, the partners are working to conserve the historic and cultural resources of the area and promote local tourism. 

The Governor was joined at various points throughout the day by Maryland State Senator Arthur Ellis; Charles County Military Alliance Council Executive Director Pam Frank; and other government and county leaders.