Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 Fact Sheet

Check out fast facts on HX-21!

The mission of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21) is to execute developmental flight test and evaluation of rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft, and their associated airborne systems in support of all United States Navy and Marine Corps training, combat, and combat support missions. The goal of HX-21 is to provide the highest quality evaluation and reporting in support of the aircraft program managers and the fleet warfighters. Exemplifying the Navy and Marine Corps' ethos, the pride and professionalism inherent in everything HX-21 does has established it as the "World's Greatest Test Squadron."

HX-21 History

Welcome to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), a component command of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. The test and evaluation of rotary-wing aircraft by the United States Navy traces its beginning to the establishment of the rotary wing section of the flight test division at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, on April 25, 1949.  In 1975, the rotary-wing test section was renamed the Rotary Wing Test Directorate, and was formally established as an air test and evaluation squadron in 2002.  HX-21 continues to build upon its proud heritage conducting rotary-wing and tilt-rotor developmental flight test in support of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard acquisition and fleet support programs.

In 2018, the squadron operated 33 aircraft of nine different Type/Model/Series. Seven of the programs the squadron supported were categorized as Major Defense Acquisition Category ONE programs (ACAT I). These programs were: V-22, UH-1Y, AH-1Z, CH-53K, MH-60R, and MH-60S.

In 2018, HX-21 executed 246 Chief of Naval Operations-directed test and evaluation (T&E) projects on nine different Type/Model/Series aircraft, totaling 1,215 sorties and 1,926.8 flight hours, and surpassing 123,586.9 total flight hours of Class "A" mishap-free flight operations.  HX-21 also executed 318 flight tests totaling 692.3 test hours and performed 8,500.0 hours of ground test.  Squadron test pilots logged 7,941 landings in squadron aircraft including 229 shipboard landings in support of multiple high risk suitability/compatibility tests.  In addition to 87 active duty Navy and

Marine Corps personnel, HX-21 also employs  38 government civilians and 353 contractors over seven different contracts.  In support of HX-21 T&E missions, DynCorp contract maintenance personnel performed 25,189 maintenance actions totaling 81,376.9 maintenance man-hours which included 4,272 maintenance actions and 13,544.5 maintenance man-hours in support of NAS Patuxent River Search and Rescue aircraft.

The success of HX-21 depends on mission-critical relationships with our key acquisition partners, including NAS Patuxent River, the Marine Aviation Detachment, NAVAIR competencies, our industry partners and the following program offices: Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205), Air Combat Electronics (PMA-209), Naval Air Traffic Management Systems (PMA-213), Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242), Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (PMA-251), H-53 and Executive Transport Helicopters (PMA-261), Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems (PMA-264), Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems (PMA-272), Presidential Helicopters Program (PMA-274), V-22 Osprey Program (PMA-275), H-1 Helicopter Program (PMA-276), Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281), Multi-Mission Helicopters H-60 (PMA-299), and Mine Warfare (PMS-495).

Lt. Col. Matthew Baumann

HX-21 Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew James Baumann is a former resident of California and has earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Colorado Boulder, a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins, is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School, and has logged over 2,000 hours in 21 different aircraft.

Upon graduating from the University of Colorado, he received his commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2003 via Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.  Lieutenant Baumann then completed The Basic School in August 2004, and reported to NAS Pensacola where he was designated as a Naval Aviator in March 2006.

Upon completion of flight school, he reported to MCAS Camp Pendleton for initial training in the AH-1W “Cobra” at HMLAT-303.  In September 2006, he reported to “The Gunfighters” HMLA-369 where he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and was promoted to Captain.  After deployment, he continued to work in the Operations Department until after his second deployment to OIF.  Following his second deployment, he volunteered to transfer squadrons due to combat losses within the Marine Air Group to support HMLA-267 “The Stingers” where he served as the Squadron Quality Assurance Officer and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer.  While attached to the Stingers, he deployed a third time as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.  During his time with the Gunfighters and Stingers Major Baumann attained all major designations and qualifications for the AH-1W.

In May 2011, Captain Baumann reported to NAS Patuxent River, MD to act as the NAVAIR H-1 Class Desk, Security Officer, and Foreign Military Sales Officer for PMA-276.  As the Assistant Program Manager for System Engineering (Class Desk), he provided technical expertise to the Program Manager to facilitate cost, schedule, and performance, and lead the engineering team to support the strategic interest of the United States with both Taiwan and Turkey military sales.

In January 2013 Captain Baumann attended U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (TPS) in Patuxent River, MD.  He graduated with Class 144 in December 2013 before assignment to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21) where he served as the H-1 Department Head and then the squadron Operations Officer.  As the Operations Officer, Major Baumann was responsible for overseeing flight test for all Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft. As a Test Pilot he was responsible for the continued development of the AH-1Z, UH-1Y, and AH-1W aircraft.

Following his tenor at HX-21, Major Baumann served at a Level II IPT within PMA-275 where he oversaw the survivability systems for the MV-22, CV-22, and CMV-22.  After his time at PMA-275, Lieutenant Colonel Baumann served as the Level I Program Manager for the CH/MH-53E at PMA-261 and was responsible for the cost, schedule, and performance of the aircraft within the PMA.

LtCol Baumann is again reporting to HX-21 “Blackjacks” and assuming the duties as Chief Test Pilot.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal – Strike/Flight (7), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

 

Cmdr. Nicholas Green

HX-21 Chief Test Pilot

Commander Green is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy as a member of Class of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He was designated a Naval Aviator at NAS Whiting Field, FL in June 2004.

CDR Green served his first sea tour in Atsugi, Japan operating the SH-60B Seahawk Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MK III with the mighty “Warlords” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FIVE ONE (HSL-51).  During that time he served onboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48), and USS MUSTIN (DDG 89) in support of operations with U.S. 7th Fleet Task Forces, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) and Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan.

Following his sea tour, he was assigned to the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in NAS Mayport, FL where he was designated an Instructor Pilot with the “Airwolves” of HSL-40. During this tour, CDR Green was selected to attend U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD graduating in December 2009. He then reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21) and was assigned as lead test pilot for mission system upgrades to the MH-60R including the AN/APS-153(V)1 Multi-Mode Radar and project officer for foreign military sales (FMS) acquisition of MH-60R to Denmark.

In 2013 CDR Green was assigned as a Department Head to the “Blue Hawks” of HSM-78 in NAS North Island, CA where he served onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and CVW-2 as the squadron training, safety and maintenance officer. Leveraging his test experience, he led Fleet efforts to integrate and effectively employ tactical data link upgrades to CVN 76, as well as transition the MH-60R AN/APS-153(V)1 radar upgrade from operational test to the Fleet as initial operational capability.

In 2015 he returned to HX-21 as the MH-60 Platform Coordinator, and later served as the MH-60 Government Flight Test Director, where he led the developmental test efforts on all USN MH-60R/S aircraft as well as FMS variants. This included the “first-of-class” dynamic interface evaluation of USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78), launch and recovery envelope expansion of CG 47 class ships for MH-60S, conduct of the first ever flight test of MH-60R while forward deployed in 5th Fleet with USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), and FMS acquisition of MH-60R to India.

CDR Green was then assigned to Program Manager Multi-Mission Helicopters (PMA 299) serving as Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering for capability development for over 600 MH-60R/S aircraft. As Class Desk he led a complex team to reduce Class A mishaps of MH60R sonar systems, and managed engineering efforts for the Fleet rollout of Link 16 Block Upgrade 2, as well as mission computer upgrades to both MH-60R/S aircraft.

CDR Nicholas “the jones” Green has flown over 2300 flight hours in 23 different T/M/S aircraft.

Cmdr. James Malvasio

HX-21 Executive Officer

Commander (CDR) James Malvasio was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in New Jersey.  Graduating from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2002, he received a commission through the NROTC program and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2004.

Upon completion of H-60F/H training, he served with the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) from April 2005 to April 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida.  At HS-5, Commander Malvasio completed one deployment on board USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

From June 2008 to January 2011, Commander Malvasio served as an Operational Test Pilot at Air Test and Evaluation ONE (VX-1) in Patuxent River, Maryland.  There he simultaneously led all MH-60S “Armed-Helo” testing efforts as the Operational Test Director and earned an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

From February 2011 to May 2013, Commander Malvasio was by-name selected to transition the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7) from the H-60F/H to the MH-60S in Norfolk, VA.  There he served in a Department Head role as the Training Officer and Safety Officer in support of the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Strike Group.

From June 2013 to October 2015, Commander Malvasio returned to the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5) in Norfolk, VA, successfully transitioning them to the MH-60S.  There he served as the Safety Officer, Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer and became one of the U.S. Navy’s first H-60 Fixed-Forward Firing Weapons Instructors.  He also led four detachments as Officer-in-Charge supporting the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Strike Group.

From November 2015 to November 2016, Commander Malvasio earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.  In December 2016, he reported to US Special Operations Command as the Theater Maritime Requirements Manager for all Naval Special Warfare Command equities and Precision Strike Weapon Systems throughout the SOCOM enterprise.  Before detaching in February 2020, he deployed to Afghanistan with SOJTF-A/NSOCC-A from May 2019 to October 2019 as the Global Force Manager for all NATO SOF requirements and Lead Planner for the initial drawdown efforts within the Afghanistan AOR.

In March 2020, Commander Malvasio reported to Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG-2) as the Deputy Operations Officer and Lead Scheduler for all 14 East Coast Amphibious Class ships in support of US Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, SECOND Fleet.  He also coordinated all Defense Support of Civil Authorities efforts and deployed to Louisiana with MARFORNORTH as the USFF Liaison Officer in support of Hurricane Ida relief.

In January 2022, Commander Malvasio reported to HX-21 as Executive Officer.  He has accumulated over 2500 flight hours in naval aircraft, and is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  He is married to Courtney Marie Skidmore of Virginia Beach, Virginia and has three children; Vanessa (9), Lena (7), and James (2).

Senior Chief Douglas M. Reece

HX-21 Command Senior Chief

Command Senior Chief Reece, a native of Valdosta, GA, enlisted in the United States Navy in February 2000.  Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Virginia, where he completed Operations Specialist “A” School. 

Upon completion, he reported for duty onboard USS Kitty Hawk, where he served for 6 years and 9 months, qualifying as the best Air Intercept Controller of all time.  His fleet assignments include, USS Fitzgerald where he was selected as a Chief Petty Officer in 2009 and qualified as an AIC Supervisor, USS Antietam where he was selected as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2014, and USS Curtis Wilbur, all forward deployed to Yokosuka Japan.  In addition, Senior Chief Reece completed shore assignments at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, TN as a detailer, and on the staff of COMNAVEUR/

COMNAVAF/COMSIXTHFLT in Naples, Italy.

He was selected to be a Command Senior Chief in February 2021. He is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader onboard Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX 21). Senior Chief Reece is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 217 Khaki and has earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare, and Aviation Warfare insignia.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

HX-21 Points of Contact

HX-21 Duty Office: 301-342-1762 
HX-21 Administration Department: 301-342-4461
HX-21 Email: Administration Department

The mission of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21) is to execute developmental flight test and evaluation of rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft, and their associated airborne systems in support of all United States Navy and Marine Corps training, combat, and combat support missions. The goal of HX-21 is to provide the highest quality evaluation and reporting in support of the aircraft program managers and the fleet warfighters. Exemplifying the Navy and Marine Corps' ethos, the pride and professionalism inherent in everything HX-21 does has established it as the "World's Greatest Test Squadron."

HX-21 History

Welcome to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), a component command of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. The test and evaluation of rotary-wing aircraft by the United States Navy traces its beginning to the establishment of the rotary wing section of the flight test division at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, on April 25, 1949.  In 1975, the rotary-wing test section was renamed the Rotary Wing Test Directorate, and was formally established as an air test and evaluation squadron in 2002.  HX-21 continues to build upon its proud heritage conducting rotary-wing and tilt-rotor developmental flight test in support of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard acquisition and fleet support programs.

In 2018, the squadron operated 33 aircraft of nine different Type/Model/Series. Seven of the programs the squadron supported were categorized as Major Defense Acquisition Category ONE programs (ACAT I). These programs were: V-22, UH-1Y, AH-1Z, CH-53K, MH-60R, and MH-60S.

In 2018, HX-21 executed 246 Chief of Naval Operations-directed test and evaluation (T&E) projects on nine different Type/Model/Series aircraft, totaling 1,215 sorties and 1,926.8 flight hours, and surpassing 123,586.9 total flight hours of Class "A" mishap-free flight operations.  HX-21 also executed 318 flight tests totaling 692.3 test hours and performed 8,500.0 hours of ground test.  Squadron test pilots logged 7,941 landings in squadron aircraft including 229 shipboard landings in support of multiple high risk suitability/compatibility tests.  In addition to 87 active duty Navy and

Marine Corps personnel, HX-21 also employs  38 government civilians and 353 contractors over seven different contracts.  In support of HX-21 T&E missions, DynCorp contract maintenance personnel performed 25,189 maintenance actions totaling 81,376.9 maintenance man-hours which included 4,272 maintenance actions and 13,544.5 maintenance man-hours in support of NAS Patuxent River Search and Rescue aircraft.

The success of HX-21 depends on mission-critical relationships with our key acquisition partners, including NAS Patuxent River, the Marine Aviation Detachment, NAVAIR competencies, our industry partners and the following program offices: Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205), Air Combat Electronics (PMA-209), Naval Air Traffic Management Systems (PMA-213), Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242), Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (PMA-251), H-53 and Executive Transport Helicopters (PMA-261), Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems (PMA-264), Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems (PMA-272), Presidential Helicopters Program (PMA-274), V-22 Osprey Program (PMA-275), H-1 Helicopter Program (PMA-276), Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281), Multi-Mission Helicopters H-60 (PMA-299), and Mine Warfare (PMS-495).

Lt. Col. Matthew Baumann

HX-21 Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew James Baumann is a former resident of California and has earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Colorado Boulder, a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins, is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School, and has logged over 2,000 hours in 21 different aircraft.

Upon graduating from the University of Colorado, he received his commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2003 via Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.  Lieutenant Baumann then completed The Basic School in August 2004, and reported to NAS Pensacola where he was designated as a Naval Aviator in March 2006.

Upon completion of flight school, he reported to MCAS Camp Pendleton for initial training in the AH-1W “Cobra” at HMLAT-303.  In September 2006, he reported to “The Gunfighters” HMLA-369 where he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and was promoted to Captain.  After deployment, he continued to work in the Operations Department until after his second deployment to OIF.  Following his second deployment, he volunteered to transfer squadrons due to combat losses within the Marine Air Group to support HMLA-267 “The Stingers” where he served as the Squadron Quality Assurance Officer and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer.  While attached to the Stingers, he deployed a third time as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.  During his time with the Gunfighters and Stingers Major Baumann attained all major designations and qualifications for the AH-1W.

In May 2011, Captain Baumann reported to NAS Patuxent River, MD to act as the NAVAIR H-1 Class Desk, Security Officer, and Foreign Military Sales Officer for PMA-276.  As the Assistant Program Manager for System Engineering (Class Desk), he provided technical expertise to the Program Manager to facilitate cost, schedule, and performance, and lead the engineering team to support the strategic interest of the United States with both Taiwan and Turkey military sales.

In January 2013 Captain Baumann attended U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (TPS) in Patuxent River, MD.  He graduated with Class 144 in December 2013 before assignment to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21) where he served as the H-1 Department Head and then the squadron Operations Officer.  As the Operations Officer, Major Baumann was responsible for overseeing flight test for all Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft. As a Test Pilot he was responsible for the continued development of the AH-1Z, UH-1Y, and AH-1W aircraft.

Following his tenor at HX-21, Major Baumann served at a Level II IPT within PMA-275 where he oversaw the survivability systems for the MV-22, CV-22, and CMV-22.  After his time at PMA-275, Lieutenant Colonel Baumann served as the Level I Program Manager for the CH/MH-53E at PMA-261 and was responsible for the cost, schedule, and performance of the aircraft within the PMA.

LtCol Baumann is again reporting to HX-21 “Blackjacks” and assuming the duties as Chief Test Pilot.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal – Strike/Flight (7), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

 

Cmdr. Nicholas Green

HX-21 Chief Test Pilot

Commander Green is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy as a member of Class of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He was designated a Naval Aviator at NAS Whiting Field, FL in June 2004.

CDR Green served his first sea tour in Atsugi, Japan operating the SH-60B Seahawk Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MK III with the mighty “Warlords” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FIVE ONE (HSL-51).  During that time he served onboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48), and USS MUSTIN (DDG 89) in support of operations with U.S. 7th Fleet Task Forces, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) and Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan.

Following his sea tour, he was assigned to the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in NAS Mayport, FL where he was designated an Instructor Pilot with the “Airwolves” of HSL-40. During this tour, CDR Green was selected to attend U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD graduating in December 2009. He then reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX-21) and was assigned as lead test pilot for mission system upgrades to the MH-60R including the AN/APS-153(V)1 Multi-Mode Radar and project officer for foreign military sales (FMS) acquisition of MH-60R to Denmark.

In 2013 CDR Green was assigned as a Department Head to the “Blue Hawks” of HSM-78 in NAS North Island, CA where he served onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and CVW-2 as the squadron training, safety and maintenance officer. Leveraging his test experience, he led Fleet efforts to integrate and effectively employ tactical data link upgrades to CVN 76, as well as transition the MH-60R AN/APS-153(V)1 radar upgrade from operational test to the Fleet as initial operational capability.

In 2015 he returned to HX-21 as the MH-60 Platform Coordinator, and later served as the MH-60 Government Flight Test Director, where he led the developmental test efforts on all USN MH-60R/S aircraft as well as FMS variants. This included the “first-of-class” dynamic interface evaluation of USS GERALD R FORD (CVN 78), launch and recovery envelope expansion of CG 47 class ships for MH-60S, conduct of the first ever flight test of MH-60R while forward deployed in 5th Fleet with USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), and FMS acquisition of MH-60R to India.

CDR Green was then assigned to Program Manager Multi-Mission Helicopters (PMA 299) serving as Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering for capability development for over 600 MH-60R/S aircraft. As Class Desk he led a complex team to reduce Class A mishaps of MH60R sonar systems, and managed engineering efforts for the Fleet rollout of Link 16 Block Upgrade 2, as well as mission computer upgrades to both MH-60R/S aircraft.

CDR Nicholas “the jones” Green has flown over 2300 flight hours in 23 different T/M/S aircraft.

Cmdr. James Malvasio

HX-21 Executive Officer

Commander (CDR) James Malvasio was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in New Jersey.  Graduating from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2002, he received a commission through the NROTC program and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2004.

Upon completion of H-60F/H training, he served with the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) from April 2005 to April 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida.  At HS-5, Commander Malvasio completed one deployment on board USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

From June 2008 to January 2011, Commander Malvasio served as an Operational Test Pilot at Air Test and Evaluation ONE (VX-1) in Patuxent River, Maryland.  There he simultaneously led all MH-60S “Armed-Helo” testing efforts as the Operational Test Director and earned an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

From February 2011 to May 2013, Commander Malvasio was by-name selected to transition the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SEVEN (HSC-7) from the H-60F/H to the MH-60S in Norfolk, VA.  There he served in a Department Head role as the Training Officer and Safety Officer in support of the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Strike Group.

From June 2013 to October 2015, Commander Malvasio returned to the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5) in Norfolk, VA, successfully transitioning them to the MH-60S.  There he served as the Safety Officer, Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer and became one of the U.S. Navy’s first H-60 Fixed-Forward Firing Weapons Instructors.  He also led four detachments as Officer-in-Charge supporting the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) Strike Group.

From November 2015 to November 2016, Commander Malvasio earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.  In December 2016, he reported to US Special Operations Command as the Theater Maritime Requirements Manager for all Naval Special Warfare Command equities and Precision Strike Weapon Systems throughout the SOCOM enterprise.  Before detaching in February 2020, he deployed to Afghanistan with SOJTF-A/NSOCC-A from May 2019 to October 2019 as the Global Force Manager for all NATO SOF requirements and Lead Planner for the initial drawdown efforts within the Afghanistan AOR.

In March 2020, Commander Malvasio reported to Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG-2) as the Deputy Operations Officer and Lead Scheduler for all 14 East Coast Amphibious Class ships in support of US Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, SECOND Fleet.  He also coordinated all Defense Support of Civil Authorities efforts and deployed to Louisiana with MARFORNORTH as the USFF Liaison Officer in support of Hurricane Ida relief.

In January 2022, Commander Malvasio reported to HX-21 as Executive Officer.  He has accumulated over 2500 flight hours in naval aircraft, and is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  He is married to Courtney Marie Skidmore of Virginia Beach, Virginia and has three children; Vanessa (9), Lena (7), and James (2).

Senior Chief Douglas M. Reece

HX-21 Command Senior Chief

Command Senior Chief Reece, a native of Valdosta, GA, enlisted in the United States Navy in February 2000.  Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois he reported to Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, Virginia, where he completed Operations Specialist “A” School. 

Upon completion, he reported for duty onboard USS Kitty Hawk, where he served for 6 years and 9 months, qualifying as the best Air Intercept Controller of all time.  His fleet assignments include, USS Fitzgerald where he was selected as a Chief Petty Officer in 2009 and qualified as an AIC Supervisor, USS Antietam where he was selected as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2014, and USS Curtis Wilbur, all forward deployed to Yokosuka Japan.  In addition, Senior Chief Reece completed shore assignments at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, TN as a detailer, and on the staff of COMNAVEUR/

COMNAVAF/COMSIXTHFLT in Naples, Italy.

He was selected to be a Command Senior Chief in February 2021. He is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader onboard Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ONE (HX 21). Senior Chief Reece is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 217 Khaki and has earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare, and Aviation Warfare insignia.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

HX-21 Points of Contact

HX-21 Duty Office: 301-342-1762 
HX-21 Administration Department: 301-342-4461
HX-21 Email: Administration Department