June 2, 2026

VADM Chebi New NAVAIR Commander

Chebi

VADM Carl P. Chebi relieved VADM Dean Peters as commander of the Naval Air Systems Command during a ceremony last week at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.

Undersea Warfare Priority for Navy

Undersea

The US Navy is renewing its focus on undersea threats and has labeled anti-submarine warfare a priority for all sailors.

Cricchi New NAWCAD Executive Director

Cricchi

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

Somerville

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

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

Tactical Combat

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

Environment

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

P-8A

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

E-2D

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.