Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 Fact Sheet

Check out fast facts on VX-23!

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) is NAVAIR's largest flight test organization. The squadron's mission is to support the RDT&E of fixed wing tactical aircraft by providing aircraft and pilot assets, maintenance services, safety oversight and facility support for these efforts. Primary areas of support include flying qualities and performance evaluations, shipboard suitability, propulsion system testing, tactical aircraft mission system testing, ordnance compatibility and ballistic efforts, reliability and maintainability assessments, flight fidelity simulation and flight control software development. The Squadron also provides Government Flight Representatives, test monitoring, chase aircraft support, and facilities for contractor demonstration, validation and development work involving tactical aircraft and associated systems.

The VX-23 workforce -- officers (Navy, Marine Corps and foreign nationals), enlisted (Navy and Marine Corps), civilians and contractors -- supports the aircraft maintenance, test planning and conduct, safety oversight and support of the squadron's F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, T-45C Goshawk, and F-35B/C Lightning II aircraft.

The squadron conducts more than 3,000 flight operations annually, totaling approximately 4,400 flight hours, much of which involves high-risk flight test. VX-23 conducts operations, both shore based and shipboard, locally at NAS Patuxent River and operates and maintains the TC-7 catapult and MK-7 arresting gear test sites.

Cmdr. Eric Zilberman

VX-23 Commanding Officer

A native of Belmont, CA, Commander Zilberman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2006 with a Master of Science in Systems Technology, and from the University of Virginia in 2022 with a Master of Science in Business Analytics.  After receiving his wings in July 2008, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) where he completed flight training in the legendary F/A-18 A-D Hornet.

From 2009 to 2012 he flew with the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34) based out of Virginia Beach, VA where he served as the Assistant Operations and Readiness Officer, NATOPS Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Senior Landing Signals Officer (LSO), Line Division Officer, and Schedules Officer. With VFA-34, he completed two combat deployments and flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

In 2012, the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) selected CDR Zilberman for attendance with class 143. Following graduation in July, 2013, he served as an experimental test pilot and project officer at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) from 2013 to 2016 and was responsible for over 20 developmental test efforts.

He returned to Virginia Beach, VA and joined the Ragin’ Bulls of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37) from 2017 to 2018 where he completed his department head tour. He served as the Operations, Safety, and Admin Officer and his qualifications included NATOPS Instructor Pilot and Functional Check Flight (FCF) Pilot. With the Bulls, he completed a third combat deployment and flew 19 combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. CDR Zilberman was selected for Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) and Acquisition Corps during this time.

In 2018, CDR Zilberman returned to Patuxent River where he was the class desk for PMA-213 between 2018 and 2020, a deputy program manager at PMA-201 from 2020 to 2022, and the Chief of Strategy and Innovation at the United States Naval Test Pilot School from 2022 to 2023. While at USNTPS, CDR Zilberman was selected for command and is currently the commanding officer of VX-23.

Commander Zilberman has over 2,000 military and civilian flight hours in 28 different aircraft types.  His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy Achievement Medal. He was selected as the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Pilot of the Year in 2012.

Cmdr. Sean Delaney

VX-23 Chief Test Pilot

A native of Damascus, MD, CDR Delaney graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  After earning his “Wings of Gold” from the VT-9 “Tigers” in Meridian, MS, he reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” at NAS Whidbey Island, WA for initial training in the EA-18G Growler in 2012.

From 2013 to 2015, CDR Delaney was assigned to the VAQ-139 “Cougars” of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) after they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler.  While with the Cougars, he served as the NATOPS Officer, Line Division Officer, Assistance Operations Officer, and Head Landing Signals Officer.  He remained with VAQ-139 for the squadron’s first deployment in the EA-18G aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), flying multiple combat missions and contingency operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR).  In 2015, CDR Delaney reported to VAQ-129 as an FRS Instructor Pilot, from which he was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) class 151.

Following USNTPS graduation, CDR Delaney reported to the “Salty Dogs” of VX-23 at NAS Patuxent River and served as a Project Officer in the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Department from 2017-2020, conducting developmental flight test and evaluation on F/A-18 C-F and EA-18G aircraft and weapons systems.  While at VX-23, he earned his Masters in Engineering Sciences (Aerospace Engineering) from the Naval Postgraduate School, and was selected as the 2019 Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) Test Pilot of the Year.

CDR Delaney reported to the VAQ-140 “Patriots” as a Department Head and served as the Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Officer from 2020 to 2023.  He deployed with CVW-7 aboard the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN-77) to SIXTH FLEET in support of EUCOM objectives.  He joined the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) community, and subsequently reported back to the “Salty Dogs” to serve as the AEA Department Head and Next Generation Jammer Mid Band (NGJ MB) Government Flight Test Director (GFTD).  He was selected for command of VX-23 in 2024, and is currently serving as the Salty Dog’s Chief Test Pilot.

CDR Delaney has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in 27 different T/M/S aircraft and has been awarded multiple personal and unit decorations. 

Cmdr. Mike Flynn

VX-23 Executive Officer

A native of Carver, Massachusetts, Commander Flynn graduated from Norwich University in 2008 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  After graduation he attended flight school in Pensacola, FL and earned his “Wings of Gold” in 2010.

CDR Flynn completed initial training in the EA-6B Prowler at NAS Whidbey Island, WA.  During his first operational tour with the “Lancers” of VAQ-131 he served as avionics and armaments division officer, schedules officer, personnel officer, JMPS officer, and first lieutenant.  He deployed onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in 2012 flying in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.  He then sun downed the VAQ-131 Prowler fleet and transitioned to the EA-18G with the squadron. 

In October 2015 CDR Flynn served as an EA-18G flight instructor at VAQ-129.  Following his instructor tour in June 2018, he served as a CAG staff Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) with CVW-11 where he deployed onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in the western Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of Seventh Fleet tasking and exercise Northern Edge 20.

In July 2020 CDR Flynn joined the “Gray Wolves” of VAQ-142 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA as a department head.  He served as administration department head, safety officer and maintenance officer.  In 2021 he deployed onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in the western Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of Seventh Fleet tasking and exercise Northern Edge 21.  In June 2023, he reported to VX-23 as the Director of Safety and Standardization and transitioned to the squadron’s Executive Officer in November 2024.

CDR Flynn has accumulated over 1,600 flight hours in the EA-6B, EA-18G, F/A-18F and various other aircraft.  His decorations include an Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), and various unit, service, and campaign awards.

Senior Chief Thomas Huntt III

VX-23 Command Senior Chief

A native of College Park, MD, CMDCS Thomas J. Huntt III was born in Washington D.C. on 07 June 1986.  He graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 01 November 2004. Following Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, he graduated from the Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” school and Hydraulic test-stand “C” school in Oceana, VA. Upon graduation, CMDCS Huntt was assigned as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, Recruit, to Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Activity (AIMD) at NAS Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. While attached to AIMD Sigonella, he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. During his tour in Sicily, he met and married Valentina.

In September 2008, CMDCS Huntt was assigned to AIMD aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in Yokosuka, Japan where he served until 2012. While on board the GEORGE WASHINGTON, he earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Qualification and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification and was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer First Class, deploying six times to the South Pacific. During his tour aboard CVN-73, he and Valentina welcomed two children into their family, Mattias (boy)-15, and Aurora (girl)-13.

In December 2012, CMDCS Huntt transferred to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), NJ where he served as the Air Department Leading Petty Officer, in support of the New Jersey Air National Guard and the 305th Air Mobility Wing. During his time at JB MDL, he was selected as Sailor of the Year and he earned his Bachelor Degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Aeronautics, with a minor in Management, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. 

In May 2016, CMDCS Huntt transferred from JB MDL to the world famous Liberty Bells, VAW-115, of NAS Atsugi, Japan, deploying once on board the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76). Upon his check-in he was informed of his advancement to Chief Petty Officer. With VAW-115’s 50-year tenure in Japan, they were relocated stateside and were replaced by the more advanced Tigertails of VAW-125. CMDCS Huntt was redistributed to VAW-125 in their new home-port of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan (MCAS Iwakuni), deploying six times.

In April 2021, CMDCS Huntt accepted orders to the Pioneers of VX-1, NAS Patuxent River, MD, the premier squadron for Operational Testing on H-60, E-2, P-8, and Firescout aircraft.  During his time at VX-1, he served as H-60 R/S LCPO, E-2D Maintenance Senior Chief, Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS), ADMIN LCPO, and the acting CSEL.

CMDCS checked into the Salty Dogs of VX-23 in May of 2025.

During his time with the AIMD Sigonella, IT, the base was awarded a Humanitarian Service Award. During his time with aboard CVN-73, the ship was awarded another Humanitarian Service Award. During his tenure with the Liberty Bells, the squadron successfully earned the 2016 Battle “E”. With the Tigertails, the squadron successfully earned the 2015 and 2016 Battle “E,” CNO Safety “S”, Medical Blue “M”, Retention Excellence Award, and two consecutive Adm. Frank Akers Awards for Excellence.

CMDCS Huntt’s decorations include Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal (six), and various unit and campaign awards.

VX-23 Points of Contact

VX-23 Duty Office: 301-342-4137

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) is NAVAIR's largest flight test organization. The squadron's mission is to support the RDT&E of fixed wing tactical aircraft by providing aircraft and pilot assets, maintenance services, safety oversight and facility support for these efforts. Primary areas of support include flying qualities and performance evaluations, shipboard suitability, propulsion system testing, tactical aircraft mission system testing, ordnance compatibility and ballistic efforts, reliability and maintainability assessments, flight fidelity simulation and flight control software development. The Squadron also provides Government Flight Representatives, test monitoring, chase aircraft support, and facilities for contractor demonstration, validation and development work involving tactical aircraft and associated systems.

The VX-23 workforce -- officers (Navy, Marine Corps and foreign nationals), enlisted (Navy and Marine Corps), civilians and contractors -- supports the aircraft maintenance, test planning and conduct, safety oversight and support of the squadron's F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, T-45C Goshawk, and F-35B/C Lightning II aircraft.

The squadron conducts more than 3,000 flight operations annually, totaling approximately 4,400 flight hours, much of which involves high-risk flight test. VX-23 conducts operations, both shore based and shipboard, locally at NAS Patuxent River and operates and maintains the TC-7 catapult and MK-7 arresting gear test sites.

Cmdr. Eric Zilberman

VX-23 Commanding Officer

A native of Belmont, CA, Commander Zilberman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2006 with a Master of Science in Systems Technology, and from the University of Virginia in 2022 with a Master of Science in Business Analytics.  After receiving his wings in July 2008, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) where he completed flight training in the legendary F/A-18 A-D Hornet.

From 2009 to 2012 he flew with the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34) based out of Virginia Beach, VA where he served as the Assistant Operations and Readiness Officer, NATOPS Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Senior Landing Signals Officer (LSO), Line Division Officer, and Schedules Officer. With VFA-34, he completed two combat deployments and flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

In 2012, the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) selected CDR Zilberman for attendance with class 143. Following graduation in July, 2013, he served as an experimental test pilot and project officer at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) from 2013 to 2016 and was responsible for over 20 developmental test efforts.

He returned to Virginia Beach, VA and joined the Ragin’ Bulls of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37) from 2017 to 2018 where he completed his department head tour. He served as the Operations, Safety, and Admin Officer and his qualifications included NATOPS Instructor Pilot and Functional Check Flight (FCF) Pilot. With the Bulls, he completed a third combat deployment and flew 19 combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. CDR Zilberman was selected for Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) and Acquisition Corps during this time.

In 2018, CDR Zilberman returned to Patuxent River where he was the class desk for PMA-213 between 2018 and 2020, a deputy program manager at PMA-201 from 2020 to 2022, and the Chief of Strategy and Innovation at the United States Naval Test Pilot School from 2022 to 2023. While at USNTPS, CDR Zilberman was selected for command and is currently the commanding officer of VX-23.

Commander Zilberman has over 2,000 military and civilian flight hours in 28 different aircraft types.  His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy Achievement Medal. He was selected as the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Pilot of the Year in 2012.

Cmdr. Sean Delaney

VX-23 Chief Test Pilot

A native of Damascus, MD, CDR Delaney graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  After earning his “Wings of Gold” from the VT-9 “Tigers” in Meridian, MS, he reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” at NAS Whidbey Island, WA for initial training in the EA-18G Growler in 2012.

From 2013 to 2015, CDR Delaney was assigned to the VAQ-139 “Cougars” of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) after they transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler.  While with the Cougars, he served as the NATOPS Officer, Line Division Officer, Assistance Operations Officer, and Head Landing Signals Officer.  He remained with VAQ-139 for the squadron’s first deployment in the EA-18G aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), flying multiple combat missions and contingency operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR).  In 2015, CDR Delaney reported to VAQ-129 as an FRS Instructor Pilot, from which he was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) class 151.

Following USNTPS graduation, CDR Delaney reported to the “Salty Dogs” of VX-23 at NAS Patuxent River and served as a Project Officer in the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Department from 2017-2020, conducting developmental flight test and evaluation on F/A-18 C-F and EA-18G aircraft and weapons systems.  While at VX-23, he earned his Masters in Engineering Sciences (Aerospace Engineering) from the Naval Postgraduate School, and was selected as the 2019 Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) Test Pilot of the Year.

CDR Delaney reported to the VAQ-140 “Patriots” as a Department Head and served as the Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Officer from 2020 to 2023.  He deployed with CVW-7 aboard the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN-77) to SIXTH FLEET in support of EUCOM objectives.  He joined the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) community, and subsequently reported back to the “Salty Dogs” to serve as the AEA Department Head and Next Generation Jammer Mid Band (NGJ MB) Government Flight Test Director (GFTD).  He was selected for command of VX-23 in 2024, and is currently serving as the Salty Dog’s Chief Test Pilot.

CDR Delaney has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in 27 different T/M/S aircraft and has been awarded multiple personal and unit decorations. 

Cmdr. Mike Flynn

VX-23 Executive Officer

A native of Carver, Massachusetts, Commander Flynn graduated from Norwich University in 2008 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  After graduation he attended flight school in Pensacola, FL and earned his “Wings of Gold” in 2010.

CDR Flynn completed initial training in the EA-6B Prowler at NAS Whidbey Island, WA.  During his first operational tour with the “Lancers” of VAQ-131 he served as avionics and armaments division officer, schedules officer, personnel officer, JMPS officer, and first lieutenant.  He deployed onboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in 2012 flying in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.  He then sun downed the VAQ-131 Prowler fleet and transitioned to the EA-18G with the squadron. 

In October 2015 CDR Flynn served as an EA-18G flight instructor at VAQ-129.  Following his instructor tour in June 2018, he served as a CAG staff Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) with CVW-11 where he deployed onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in the western Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of Seventh Fleet tasking and exercise Northern Edge 20.

In July 2020 CDR Flynn joined the “Gray Wolves” of VAQ-142 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA as a department head.  He served as administration department head, safety officer and maintenance officer.  In 2021 he deployed onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in the western Pacific Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of Seventh Fleet tasking and exercise Northern Edge 21.  In June 2023, he reported to VX-23 as the Director of Safety and Standardization and transitioned to the squadron’s Executive Officer in November 2024.

CDR Flynn has accumulated over 1,600 flight hours in the EA-6B, EA-18G, F/A-18F and various other aircraft.  His decorations include an Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), and various unit, service, and campaign awards.

Senior Chief Thomas Huntt III

VX-23 Command Senior Chief

A native of College Park, MD, CMDCS Thomas J. Huntt III was born in Washington D.C. on 07 June 1986.  He graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 01 November 2004. Following Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, he graduated from the Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” school and Hydraulic test-stand “C” school in Oceana, VA. Upon graduation, CMDCS Huntt was assigned as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, Recruit, to Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Activity (AIMD) at NAS Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. While attached to AIMD Sigonella, he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. During his tour in Sicily, he met and married Valentina.

In September 2008, CMDCS Huntt was assigned to AIMD aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in Yokosuka, Japan where he served until 2012. While on board the GEORGE WASHINGTON, he earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Qualification and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification and was advanced to the rank of Petty Officer First Class, deploying six times to the South Pacific. During his tour aboard CVN-73, he and Valentina welcomed two children into their family, Mattias (boy)-15, and Aurora (girl)-13.

In December 2012, CMDCS Huntt transferred to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), NJ where he served as the Air Department Leading Petty Officer, in support of the New Jersey Air National Guard and the 305th Air Mobility Wing. During his time at JB MDL, he was selected as Sailor of the Year and he earned his Bachelor Degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Aeronautics, with a minor in Management, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. 

In May 2016, CMDCS Huntt transferred from JB MDL to the world famous Liberty Bells, VAW-115, of NAS Atsugi, Japan, deploying once on board the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76). Upon his check-in he was informed of his advancement to Chief Petty Officer. With VAW-115’s 50-year tenure in Japan, they were relocated stateside and were replaced by the more advanced Tigertails of VAW-125. CMDCS Huntt was redistributed to VAW-125 in their new home-port of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan (MCAS Iwakuni), deploying six times.

In April 2021, CMDCS Huntt accepted orders to the Pioneers of VX-1, NAS Patuxent River, MD, the premier squadron for Operational Testing on H-60, E-2, P-8, and Firescout aircraft.  During his time at VX-1, he served as H-60 R/S LCPO, E-2D Maintenance Senior Chief, Quality Assurance Supervisor (QAS), ADMIN LCPO, and the acting CSEL.

CMDCS checked into the Salty Dogs of VX-23 in May of 2025.

During his time with the AIMD Sigonella, IT, the base was awarded a Humanitarian Service Award. During his time with aboard CVN-73, the ship was awarded another Humanitarian Service Award. During his tenure with the Liberty Bells, the squadron successfully earned the 2016 Battle “E”. With the Tigertails, the squadron successfully earned the 2015 and 2016 Battle “E,” CNO Safety “S”, Medical Blue “M”, Retention Excellence Award, and two consecutive Adm. Frank Akers Awards for Excellence.

CMDCS Huntt’s decorations include Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal (six), and various unit and campaign awards.

VX-23 Points of Contact

VX-23 Duty Office: 301-342-4137