VX-30 earns Chief of Naval Operations Naval Aviation Safety Award

NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Architzel, right, presents the Chief of Naval Operations Naval Aviation Safety Award for 2009 to Cmdr. Stephen Tedford, commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30, in a ceremony held at VX-30, Point Mugu, Calif, June 30.

Date: 06-Jul-10
News Release Number: ECL201007061

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Naval Aviation Safety Award for 2009 in a ceremony held at VX-30 in Point Mugu, Calif., June 30.

Vice Adm. David Architzel, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, proudly congratulated the men and women of VX-30 as he presented the prestigious award to their commanding officer, Cmdr. Stephen Tedford.

"What you do matters," Architzel said. "You are making a difference day in and day out."

The squadron received an engraved plaque for permanent custody and a CNO citation.

The squadron was recognized for their outstanding safety record during aircraft operations. The award citation read "This award recognizes your superior leadership, superlative airmanship and a proactive, all-hands commitment to the principles of operational risk management. Throughout the year, you consistently demonstrated the utmost professionalism, superb skill and the highest level of operational readiness. Your exemplary record and superior performance significantly contributed to the Navy's overall safety record and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

"The squadron consists of approximately 100 military, 20 GS's and 100 civilian contractors, and this award represents the efforts of everyone involved," Tedford said. "[It's] a true all-hands effort."

"VX-30 met the extensive risk challenges of 2009 through transformation and growth of the Safety Department and reinvigoration of command safety programs," Tedford said. "Through progressive systemic safety initiatives, the men and women of the ‘Bloodhounds' have earned the CNO Aviation Safety Award."

The squadron provides aircraft operations, research, development, test and evaluation support for weapons and weapons system support activities utilizing the Point Mugu Sea Test Range and China Lake Land Test Range as well as deploying world wide for both fleet training and weapons test activity. Pilots log more than 3000 hours of testing and training missions annually with a stable of seven to nine aircraft.

In closing, Architzel advised everyone to continue to make safety an essential part of their life.

"Think about that safety award when you are not in the squadron, when you are among others, be mindful of the stress and strains of everyday life. They are real," Architzel said. "Look out for each other, reach out to people who may be having a bad day, be a team and take care of each other."

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