Cricchi New NAWCAD Executive Director
Stephen E. Cricchi is the new civilian executive director at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Patuxent River, MD, headquarters.
Somerville New VX-23 Commander
CAPT Elizabeth “Lizard” Somerville took command of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 during a change of command ceremony at NAS Patuxent River.
Navy’s JPALS Reaches Historic Milestone
JPALS has reached a historic milestone as the US Navy declares initial operational capability for the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System. This signals the system is ready to provide precision approach and landing capabilities to tactical carrier aircraft at sea.
Corps Receives 60th KC-130J Super Hercules
The US Marine Corps received its 60th KC-130J aircraft in March; the aircraft includes improved navigational performance, a modernized cockpit, and other key upgrades.
Production Can Start on Tactical Combat Training System
The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges program office received Milestone C approval for its next-generation air combat training system, the Tactical Combat Training System Increment II.
DoD, Environmental Interests Partner to Keep Navy Aircraft Flying
Deputy DefSec Kathleen Hicks made a visit to Maryland’s Eastern Shore as part of a DoD land preservation initiative and environmental protection program. The Middle Chesapeake Sentinel Landscape was formed in 2015 to protect the Atlantic Test Ranges used by NAS Patuxent River.
P-8A Decoy Prototype Test Completed
An Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 P-8A Poseidon successfully completed an airworthiness test of a pod-mounted radio frequency countermeasure prototype at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Atlantic Test Ranges on March 12.
E-2D Steps Into the Spotlight
The E-2D community reached its mission capable goal five months ahead of schedule recently thanks to efforts made by the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and the Airborne Command & Control Logistics Wing at NAS Pax River.
RADM Barnett Keynotes Black History Event
The importance of representation, identity, and diversity, particularly within the US Navy family, were the focus of a national virtual Black History Month event. RADM Stephen Barnett, commander of the Navy Region Northwest, was the keynote speaker.
French Navy to Purchase Three E-2Ds
France became the second international customer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye last month with an offer to buy three E-2D aircraft from the US Navy, for a maximum value of $2 billion.
