Mercury Astronauts Mural Removed for Conservation Prior to Pax River O-Club Demolition

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (Oct. 26, 2017) - Conservators pause during the process of removing the large mural “Naval Aviation in Space” from the wall of the former Officers Club at NAS Patuxent River prior to the building’s demolition. Dedicated in 1986, the mural was painted by artist George McWilliams while he was still employed at Pax River as a draftsman/illustrator. The 12-by-20 mural features astronauts Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, Scott Carpenter and John Glenn and will be placed in storage at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum prior to undergoing further conservation efforts.