The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) employs military, civilian, and contract personnel to operate test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida.
Contact NAWCAD Public Affairs at <nawcad_public_affairs@us.navy.mil>
Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 changed command on Aug. 20 during an airborne ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, where Cmdr. Michael Lindsey assumed leadership from Lt. Col. Aaron Okun.
Naval Test Wing Atlantic Commodore Capt. Daniel Kitts presided over the ceremony.
"Lt. Col. Okun has served HX-21 with distinction," said Kitts. "Cmdr. Lindsey is ready to carry that momentum forward and lead the squadron into the future.”
Lindsey assumes command after serving as HX-21’s chief test pilot. Okun will join the Marine Aviation Detachment at NAS Patuxent River as the executive officer.
“Every flight test is an opportunity to make naval aviation safer, more capable, and more ready,” said Lindsey....
April 14, 2026. NAS Patuxent River, MD. HX-21 MH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter testing of aircraft recover sling for downed aircraft utilizing KING 02 airframe that was decommissioned after completing loads testing.
Cmdr. Michael Lindsey delivers his first remarks as commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 during a change of command ceremony on Aug. 20 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Lindsey assumed command from Lt. Col. Aaron Okun during the ceremony, which was held in the squadron's hangar. (U.S. Navy photo by Lindsay Wooleyhand)
