Mission:

The mission of Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Two Four (UX-24) is to conduct and support research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) in support of the Department of the Navy and warfighter needs. 

Supported Platforms:

UX-24 conducts RDT&E on Group 1-5 UAS, including RQ-23 Tigershark, MQ-25 Stingray, the MQ-9A Reaper and over 400 small UAS. 

Location:

Located at NAS Patuxent River, the squadron takes advantage of unique capabilities at both Trapnell Field and Webster Outlying Field including: 

  • Integration with manned platforms in the Patuxent River Operating Areas 

  • Direct entry into restricted operating areas; no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordination needed 

  • Exclusive-use areas available for small UAS 

  • Proximity to water for UAS maritime operations 

  • Dedicated UAS operations center 

Capabilities:

UX-24’s team is comprised of experts in the unmanned aircraft test community from flight test engineers and air vehicle operators to United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates. In addition to supporting programs of record, the team also supports warfighter Urgent Needs Statements, Joint Forces, other government agencies and research institutions. To streamline UAS operations and test, UX-24 maintains the following: 

  • A “Blanket” Category 3 Interim Flight Clearance that covers all government-owned Group 1 & 2 UAS operating with UX-24 at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) ranges for both land- and ship-based operations. 

  • Close working relationships with Atlantic Ranges and Targets. 

  • Airspace scheduling expertise to meet the customer’s needs from concurrent UAS operations to exclusive-use airspace. 

  • Frequency spectrum management and/or oversight. 

Personnel reporting to, inquiring about or visiting UX-24 at Webster Field may reach the unit via the Administrative Office at (301) 995-8040.

Lt. Col. Jason Noll

UX-24 Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Jason N. Noll, a native of Kirksville, MO, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. Commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class program in June 2008, he completed The Basic School Course 1-09 in June 2009 and immediately commenced flight training.

Following flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX, LtCol Noll earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in June 2011 and reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 for initial training in the MV-22B. Upon completion of initial training in the MV-22B, he received orders to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 561 in January 2012. Six months later he moved with the squadron and aircraft to transition the first V-22’s to Okinawa, Japan. On Okinawa, he served with both VMM-265 and VMM-262 conducting multiple deployments with the 31st MEU. In June 2015 he reported to VMM-268 in Miramar, CA, and later transitioned to VMM-161 where he served as the Aviation Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. Notable deployments include supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines during Operation Damayan with VMM-265 and Nepal for Operation Sahayogi Haat with VMM-262, alongside combat missions in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during deployments with the SPMAGTF-CR-CC and 15th MEU.

In 2019, LtCol Noll was selected for Test Pilot School Class 157 and subsequently served as the V-22 Integrated Test Team Government Flight Test Director between 2020 and 2023. At HX-21, he gained extensive experience in Test and Evaluation, executing flight tests across all major flight test categories.

Selected for a lateral transition to Aviation Acquisitions Officer, LtCol Noll assumed the role of MV-22 Program Integrator at the V-22 Joint Program Office (JPO) PMA-275 in May 2023. Here, he primarily led the MV-22 Inventory Management and Common Configuration initiatives. Following his selection for command of UX-24, LtCol Noll reported to the “Ghost Wolves” to assume the role of Chief Test Pilot.

LtCol Noll has flown more than 2200 flight hours in 28 different T/M/S aircraft including 478 Reduced Visibility Landings. He is a DAWIA qualified practitioner in Test and Evaluation and holds a Master's Degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.

LtCol Noll's personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), and Navy Achievement Medal.

Cmdr. Richard Valenta

UX-24 Chief Test Pilot

Commander Richard Valenta, a native of Houston, TX, graduated from Purdue University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC program.

He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2012 and assigned to the “Sharpshooters” of VMFAT-101 in Miramar, CA, for training in the F/A-18C Hornet. His first operational assignment was with the VFA-94 “Mighty Shrikes” in Lemoore, CA, from April 2014 through August 2017, where he served as a strike fighter pilot and Landing Signals Officer. While assigned to CVW-17 and embarked on USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), he deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of operations, conducting sorties over Iraq and Syria in direct support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Following his tour with the “Shrikes,” CDR Valenta was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and graduated with Class 154 in December 2018. His DT-II capstone project involved flying and evaluating the U-2 spy plane. He was subsequently assigned to the VX-23 “Salty Dogs” in Patuxent River, MD, where he served as an F-35 Lightning II test pilot and project officer. His test flights included mission systems software testing, weapons integration and envelope expansion, and shore-based carrier arrestments.

At the completion of his test tour, CDR Valenta returned to NAS Lemoore in 2021 to serve as an F-35C strike fighter pilot and department head in the VFA-97 “Warhawks”, the Navy’s second operational F-35 squadron. He was a plank-owner in the successful transition from the F/A-18E to the F-35C and completed the first F-35C workup cycle as a 14-jet squadron. He deployed with CVW-2 and USS CARL VINSON to the Seventh Fleet area of operations, where the squadron earned the coveted “Battle E” and “Top Hook” awards.

After his department head tour in 2024, CDR Valenta again reported to VX-23 to serve as the F-35 Government Flight Test Director and was designated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer. He planned, oversaw, and flew crucial test programs to bring weapon and sensor improvements to the fifth-generation platform until he was selected for command in 2025.

CDR Valenta has flown 44 different aircraft types and has accrued over 2,100 flight hours and 338 carrier arrested landings. He holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Battle E, among others. He credits his personal, campaign, and unit awards to the dedication and teamwork of the Sailors, Marines, and both government and industry civilians with whom he has served throughout his career.

Senior Chief Proceso Mejia

UX-24 Command Senior Chief

Born and raised in Angeles City, Philippines.  He immigrated to Everett, Washington in 2004, and enlisted into the U.S. Navy on November 21, 2006.  After graduating from RTC Great Lakes, he first served as a Storekeeper onboard USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52), where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification on a Ticonderoga-Class guided missile cruiser.  Senior Chief Mejia detached in May 2011 as a Logistics Specialist (LS) First Class Petty Officer.

In 2011, he reported to Center for Service Support Learning Site San Diego, CA as a Navy Enlisted Classification instructor.  During his tour, he was selected to assist the Naval Technical Training Center located in Naval Air Station Meridian, MS where he qualified and taught LS “A” School, graduating multiple classes.   He next served with the KESTRELS VFA-137, stationed in Lemoore, CA where he was selected to wear the gold fouled anchors of Chief Petty Officer in 2014.

In June 2014, he was selected as the Senior Enlisted Leader and first Sailor to report to Aviation Support Division (ASD) in Iwakuni, Japan.  Senior Chief and his team were the first group to establish an ASD in 40 years and a large contributor to the successful migration of all fixed-wing aircraft squadrons from Atsugi to Iwakuni, Japan.  He was later assigned to be the Supply Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer onboard USS PIONEER (MCM-9) homeported in Sasebo, Japan.  During his tenure onboard, he and the MCM-9 crew were faced with the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, and was one of the only operational Mine Sweepers in the Fleet.  Additionally, his supply team won the COMNAVSURFPAC Logistics Readiness Award three times, contributing to his selection to Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In December 2021, he transferred to Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Yokosuka as the Senior Enlisted Leader for all distribution sites in Japan.  During his tour, he led a diverse group of 370 Military, U.S. Civil Service and Japanese Local employees, supporting over 200 DoD units in the INDO-PACIFIC region.  In March 2024, he was selected to the Command Program and assigned as the Command Senior Chief for AIRTEVRON TWO FOUR in June 2024.

Senior Chief Mejia has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various other unit, and personal awards.

Joshua Marvin

Chief Test Engineer

Joshua Marvin serves as the Chief Test Engineer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX-24) as part of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL). UX-24 is composed of approximately 200 civilian, military and contractor personnel who conduct developmental test for over 60 different unmanned aircraft type/model/series operated by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Mr. Marvin is the senior civilian leader of this squadron, responsible for overall developmental test and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Prior to his current role, Mr. Marvin served as the Assistant Program Manager for Test & Evaluation (APMT&E) for Presidential Helicopters (PMA-274). In that position, he led all strategic level planning for contractor/developmental/operational test efforts for the VH-92A helicopter, designed to replace both the VH-3D and VH-60N fleets at Marine Helicopter Squadron ONE (HMX-1). He was responsible for coordinating many high-visibility test efforts, and for liaising between the integrated test team, the program office, and the various external stakeholders.

He previously served as the Rotary Wing Aeromechanics and Small UAS Air Vehicle Branch Head for the Air Vehicle Test and Evaluation Department. There, Mr. Marvin was responsible for a 25-person branch that was charged with all the Flight Control System, Flying Qualities, and Dynamic Interface test efforts across all rotary wing and tilt-rotor platforms, as well as all the air vehicle test efforts across all small UAS platforms. During his Branch Head tenure, he took on additional roles that included Department Intern Coordinator and Deputy Z-Code.

Prior to that, he served as the Flying Qualities and Dynamic Interface Team Lead on the CH-53K Integrated Test Team. His 20-person team was responsible for all flight control tuning, envelope expansion, flying qualities, and shipboard test efforts on the CH-53E replacement program.

Mr. Marvin began his career as a Dynamic Interface Flight Test Engineer, where he evaluated shipboard suitability for all U.S. Navy and Marine Corp helicopters and tilt rotors. He participated in 18 at-sea tests aboard 13 different U.S. Naval ship classes including LCS 1, LCS 2, CVN 68, and LHD 1 classes. Testing involved a broad range of aircraft platforms such as MQ‑8, V-22, H-1, and H-53. He was lead or co-lead for 5 high-risk at-sea test periods which included MQ-8B aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and H-53E aboard the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Sea Base.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State and is working on his Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Navy War College. Mr. Marvin has completed the Office of Personnel Management’s Leadership Education and Development Certificate Program and is a graduate of the Department of Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program.

UX-24 Points of Contact

UX-24 Administrative Office: (301) 995-8040

Mission:

The mission of Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Two Four (UX-24) is to conduct and support research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) in support of the Department of the Navy and warfighter needs. 

Supported Platforms:

UX-24 conducts RDT&E on Group 1-5 UAS, including RQ-23 Tigershark, MQ-25 Stingray, the MQ-9A Reaper and over 400 small UAS. 

Location:

Located at NAS Patuxent River, the squadron takes advantage of unique capabilities at both Trapnell Field and Webster Outlying Field including: 

  • Integration with manned platforms in the Patuxent River Operating Areas 

  • Direct entry into restricted operating areas; no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordination needed 

  • Exclusive-use areas available for small UAS 

  • Proximity to water for UAS maritime operations 

  • Dedicated UAS operations center 

Capabilities:

UX-24’s team is comprised of experts in the unmanned aircraft test community from flight test engineers and air vehicle operators to United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates. In addition to supporting programs of record, the team also supports warfighter Urgent Needs Statements, Joint Forces, other government agencies and research institutions. To streamline UAS operations and test, UX-24 maintains the following: 

  • A “Blanket” Category 3 Interim Flight Clearance that covers all government-owned Group 1 & 2 UAS operating with UX-24 at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) ranges for both land- and ship-based operations. 

  • Close working relationships with Atlantic Ranges and Targets. 

  • Airspace scheduling expertise to meet the customer’s needs from concurrent UAS operations to exclusive-use airspace. 

  • Frequency spectrum management and/or oversight. 

Personnel reporting to, inquiring about or visiting UX-24 at Webster Field may reach the unit via the Administrative Office at (301) 995-8040.

Lt. Col. Jason Noll

UX-24 Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Jason N. Noll, a native of Kirksville, MO, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. Commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class program in June 2008, he completed The Basic School Course 1-09 in June 2009 and immediately commenced flight training.

Following flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX, LtCol Noll earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in June 2011 and reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 for initial training in the MV-22B. Upon completion of initial training in the MV-22B, he received orders to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 561 in January 2012. Six months later he moved with the squadron and aircraft to transition the first V-22’s to Okinawa, Japan. On Okinawa, he served with both VMM-265 and VMM-262 conducting multiple deployments with the 31st MEU. In June 2015 he reported to VMM-268 in Miramar, CA, and later transitioned to VMM-161 where he served as the Aviation Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. Notable deployments include supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines during Operation Damayan with VMM-265 and Nepal for Operation Sahayogi Haat with VMM-262, alongside combat missions in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during deployments with the SPMAGTF-CR-CC and 15th MEU.

In 2019, LtCol Noll was selected for Test Pilot School Class 157 and subsequently served as the V-22 Integrated Test Team Government Flight Test Director between 2020 and 2023. At HX-21, he gained extensive experience in Test and Evaluation, executing flight tests across all major flight test categories.

Selected for a lateral transition to Aviation Acquisitions Officer, LtCol Noll assumed the role of MV-22 Program Integrator at the V-22 Joint Program Office (JPO) PMA-275 in May 2023. Here, he primarily led the MV-22 Inventory Management and Common Configuration initiatives. Following his selection for command of UX-24, LtCol Noll reported to the “Ghost Wolves” to assume the role of Chief Test Pilot.

LtCol Noll has flown more than 2200 flight hours in 28 different T/M/S aircraft including 478 Reduced Visibility Landings. He is a DAWIA qualified practitioner in Test and Evaluation and holds a Master's Degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.

LtCol Noll's personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), and Navy Achievement Medal.

Cmdr. Richard Valenta

UX-24 Chief Test Pilot

Commander Richard Valenta, a native of Houston, TX, graduated from Purdue University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC program.

He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2012 and assigned to the “Sharpshooters” of VMFAT-101 in Miramar, CA, for training in the F/A-18C Hornet. His first operational assignment was with the VFA-94 “Mighty Shrikes” in Lemoore, CA, from April 2014 through August 2017, where he served as a strike fighter pilot and Landing Signals Officer. While assigned to CVW-17 and embarked on USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), he deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of operations, conducting sorties over Iraq and Syria in direct support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Following his tour with the “Shrikes,” CDR Valenta was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and graduated with Class 154 in December 2018. His DT-II capstone project involved flying and evaluating the U-2 spy plane. He was subsequently assigned to the VX-23 “Salty Dogs” in Patuxent River, MD, where he served as an F-35 Lightning II test pilot and project officer. His test flights included mission systems software testing, weapons integration and envelope expansion, and shore-based carrier arrestments.

At the completion of his test tour, CDR Valenta returned to NAS Lemoore in 2021 to serve as an F-35C strike fighter pilot and department head in the VFA-97 “Warhawks”, the Navy’s second operational F-35 squadron. He was a plank-owner in the successful transition from the F/A-18E to the F-35C and completed the first F-35C workup cycle as a 14-jet squadron. He deployed with CVW-2 and USS CARL VINSON to the Seventh Fleet area of operations, where the squadron earned the coveted “Battle E” and “Top Hook” awards.

After his department head tour in 2024, CDR Valenta again reported to VX-23 to serve as the F-35 Government Flight Test Director and was designated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer. He planned, oversaw, and flew crucial test programs to bring weapon and sensor improvements to the fifth-generation platform until he was selected for command in 2025.

CDR Valenta has flown 44 different aircraft types and has accrued over 2,100 flight hours and 338 carrier arrested landings. He holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Battle E, among others. He credits his personal, campaign, and unit awards to the dedication and teamwork of the Sailors, Marines, and both government and industry civilians with whom he has served throughout his career.

Senior Chief Proceso Mejia

UX-24 Command Senior Chief

Born and raised in Angeles City, Philippines.  He immigrated to Everett, Washington in 2004, and enlisted into the U.S. Navy on November 21, 2006.  After graduating from RTC Great Lakes, he first served as a Storekeeper onboard USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52), where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification on a Ticonderoga-Class guided missile cruiser.  Senior Chief Mejia detached in May 2011 as a Logistics Specialist (LS) First Class Petty Officer.

In 2011, he reported to Center for Service Support Learning Site San Diego, CA as a Navy Enlisted Classification instructor.  During his tour, he was selected to assist the Naval Technical Training Center located in Naval Air Station Meridian, MS where he qualified and taught LS “A” School, graduating multiple classes.   He next served with the KESTRELS VFA-137, stationed in Lemoore, CA where he was selected to wear the gold fouled anchors of Chief Petty Officer in 2014.

In June 2014, he was selected as the Senior Enlisted Leader and first Sailor to report to Aviation Support Division (ASD) in Iwakuni, Japan.  Senior Chief and his team were the first group to establish an ASD in 40 years and a large contributor to the successful migration of all fixed-wing aircraft squadrons from Atsugi to Iwakuni, Japan.  He was later assigned to be the Supply Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer onboard USS PIONEER (MCM-9) homeported in Sasebo, Japan.  During his tenure onboard, he and the MCM-9 crew were faced with the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, and was one of the only operational Mine Sweepers in the Fleet.  Additionally, his supply team won the COMNAVSURFPAC Logistics Readiness Award three times, contributing to his selection to Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In December 2021, he transferred to Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Yokosuka as the Senior Enlisted Leader for all distribution sites in Japan.  During his tour, he led a diverse group of 370 Military, U.S. Civil Service and Japanese Local employees, supporting over 200 DoD units in the INDO-PACIFIC region.  In March 2024, he was selected to the Command Program and assigned as the Command Senior Chief for AIRTEVRON TWO FOUR in June 2024.

Senior Chief Mejia has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various other unit, and personal awards.

Joshua Marvin

Chief Test Engineer

Joshua Marvin serves as the Chief Test Engineer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX-24) as part of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL). UX-24 is composed of approximately 200 civilian, military and contractor personnel who conduct developmental test for over 60 different unmanned aircraft type/model/series operated by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Mr. Marvin is the senior civilian leader of this squadron, responsible for overall developmental test and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Prior to his current role, Mr. Marvin served as the Assistant Program Manager for Test & Evaluation (APMT&E) for Presidential Helicopters (PMA-274). In that position, he led all strategic level planning for contractor/developmental/operational test efforts for the VH-92A helicopter, designed to replace both the VH-3D and VH-60N fleets at Marine Helicopter Squadron ONE (HMX-1). He was responsible for coordinating many high-visibility test efforts, and for liaising between the integrated test team, the program office, and the various external stakeholders.

He previously served as the Rotary Wing Aeromechanics and Small UAS Air Vehicle Branch Head for the Air Vehicle Test and Evaluation Department. There, Mr. Marvin was responsible for a 25-person branch that was charged with all the Flight Control System, Flying Qualities, and Dynamic Interface test efforts across all rotary wing and tilt-rotor platforms, as well as all the air vehicle test efforts across all small UAS platforms. During his Branch Head tenure, he took on additional roles that included Department Intern Coordinator and Deputy Z-Code.

Prior to that, he served as the Flying Qualities and Dynamic Interface Team Lead on the CH-53K Integrated Test Team. His 20-person team was responsible for all flight control tuning, envelope expansion, flying qualities, and shipboard test efforts on the CH-53E replacement program.

Mr. Marvin began his career as a Dynamic Interface Flight Test Engineer, where he evaluated shipboard suitability for all U.S. Navy and Marine Corp helicopters and tilt rotors. He participated in 18 at-sea tests aboard 13 different U.S. Naval ship classes including LCS 1, LCS 2, CVN 68, and LHD 1 classes. Testing involved a broad range of aircraft platforms such as MQ‑8, V-22, H-1, and H-53. He was lead or co-lead for 5 high-risk at-sea test periods which included MQ-8B aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and H-53E aboard the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Sea Base.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State and is working on his Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Navy War College. Mr. Marvin has completed the Office of Personnel Management’s Leadership Education and Development Certificate Program and is a graduate of the Department of Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program.

UX-24 Points of Contact

UX-24 Administrative Office: (301) 995-8040