25 YEARS OF TEST & EVALUATION EXCELLENCE.

On 1 April 2000, the Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron celebrated its 25th anniversary. The following is a tribute to the countless contributions that its dedicated personnel have made to Naval Aviation over the last quarter century.

As part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River in southern Maryland, the Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron, or "Force," is one of the Navy's premier aircraft developmental test and evaluation squadrons. Force, is responsible for the test and evaluation of aircraft, systems, avionics and software for fixed wing antisubmarine, sea control, airborne early warning, intelligence collection, command and control, tanker, carrier-onboard-delivery, trainer, utility and support aircraft. In this capacity, the squadron has ongoing flight test projects with numerous aircraft, including the P-3 Orion, S-3 Viking, E-2 Hawkeye, EP-3 Aries II, E-6 Mercury, KC-130 Hercules, C-2 Greyhound, T-6 Texan, T-34C Turbo-Mentor, C-12 Huron and the new C-26.

Before introduction to the fleet, new aircraft and aircraft systems must be tested to ensure maximum mission effectiveness, reliability and safety. Aircraft and aircraft systems are tested and evaluated throughout a variety of flight regions by Force test pilots, naval flight officers and aircrewmen. Test articles are refined as they complete various phases of developmental testing. Upon successful completion, aircraft and systems proceed to operational testing, where they are put through the paces in an operational environment prior to fleet introduction.

In order to meet the demands of the flight test environment, Force calls upon the expertise of a unique combination of professionals. Officer and enlisted personnel from various aviation communities work closely with government service and contractor personnel in such fields as test and evaluation engineering, logistics and maintenance.

Force traces its roots to the establishment of NAS Patuxent River, Md., on 1 April 1943. The Navy recognized the need to consolidate its flight test efforts, and the location was chosen due to its proximity to the coast, sea-level salt air environment, freedom from air traffic congestion, and isolation for testing of classified projects. Pax River's future as a test facility was cemented by the formation of the Naval Air Test Center (NATC) on 16 June 1945.

In 1975, a sweeping reorganization prepared NATC for its role as the Naval Air Systems Command's principal site for developmental testing. Several new directorates were formed to evaluate aircraft by type and mission. Under the direction of Officer in Charge Captain John A. Dunaway, the Antisubmarine Warfare Test Directorate was tasked to support the fleet through the flight test and evaluation of aircraft systems for patrol, air antisubmarine, carrier airborne early warning, fleet air reconnaissance, fleet tactical support and training squadrons. To more closely identify itself with the communities to which it was responsible, the directorate was renamed Force Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate in June 1986. In May 1995, the organization officially became the Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron under the command of Capt. Stuart A. Ashton, Jr.

Since its inception, Force has been instrumental in the advancement of aircraft technology and its integration into fleet assets. These new capabilities delivered to the fleet mean greater safety for aircrews and enhanced mission effectiveness. Force has been responsible for the test and evaluation of many new aircraft before their fleet introduction, including the E-6A, UC-12, T-44A King Air and ES-3 Shadow. Test and evaluation of major aircraft modifications have included the P-3 Updates I, II and III; E-2/C-2 T56A-427 engine upgrade; E-6B airborne command post modification; and the T-34 Naval Aircraft Collision Warning System.

Today, ongoing test programs include the E-2 Hawkeye 2000 and eight-bladed propeller upgrades; the P-3 Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program and Ocean Water Laser Detection and Ranging; the S-3 Standoff Land Attack Missile Extended Range and Digital Flight Data Computer; T-6A Joint Primary Aircraft Training System aircraft; and the KC-130J.

For the past 25 years, Force has been intimately involved in developmental testing of future aircraft technologies and modifications. As Naval Aviation enters a new millennium, the squadron will continue to ensure that the fleet receives safe and reliable aircraft and systems.

Lt. Owens is Communications officer of the Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron.