VX-30 "Bloodhounds"
Established in May 1995, VX-30 is a weapons test squadron whose mission is to provide research, development, test, and evaluation of manned and unmanned fixed and rotary wing aircraft and weapons systems. VX-30 also provides support to the Point Mugu Sea Range, both locally and worldwide.
The Bloodhounds and their sister squadron VX-31 make up the two components of the Naval Test Wing Pacific.
Bloodhound aircraft accomplish range surveillance, photometric support, area clearance, and airborne telemetry on the Naval Air Systems Command Sea Test Range. Project officers lead several weapon system developmental test programs for the Fleet. The Range Department operational specialists are responsible for safety of flight and range clearance for the 36,000 square mile Point Mugu Sea Range. The Airborne Threat Simulation Detachment routinely deploys worldwide to meet unique weapon testing needs at remote ranges and to provide fleet support.
Cmdr. Barry F. Carmody, Jr.
Commanding Officer, VX-30
Cmdr. Barry F. Carmody, Jr., a native of Elk Grove, California, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University in June 2006.
Following his designation as a Naval Aviator in December 2007, he completed initial training in the P-3C Orion and reported to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 in Brunswick, Maine. From 2008 to 2011, he completed multiple operational deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Serving as an Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, and Pilot Training officer during this period, he also participated in a squadron homeport change to Jacksonville, Florida.
After his tenure in Florida, Carmody joined Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 in Patuxent River, Maryland. He conducted multiple operational assessments in support of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation of the P-8A Poseidon, and he was designated a P-8A Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot before attending the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2012.
Following graduation as a member of USNTPS Class 144, Carmody was assigned to VX-20, where he led developmental testing for the P-8A Special Mission Configuration. His performance earned him the VX-20 Test Pilot of the Year Award in 2014 and the National Defense Industrial Association Tester of the Year in 2015.
Redesignated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, he reported to Maritime Patrol & Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) in 2016 to serve as the Advanced Airborne Sensor Integration and Rapid Capabilities lead, executing platform development and test for AAS Initial Operational Capability and first deployment.
In 2019, Carmody reported to the Advanced Sensors Technologies Program Office to serve as lead for Development programs and the Airborne Radars Integrated Product Team and was responsible for total life-cycle management of both the Advanced Airborne Sensor and Littoral Surveillance Radar System.
In 2022, Carmody returned to PMA-290 as a co-Integrated Product Team lead for the P-8A. In 2023, he took on his current role as the Chief Test Pilot for VX-30 in Point Mugu, California. He took over as commanding officer of the squadron May 1, 2025.
Carmody has over 2,200 flight hours in more than 23 Type/Model/Series of aircraft. He holds multiple Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications, and his personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).
Thomas Gelker
Technical Director, VX-30
Thomas Gelker, a native of Eugene, Oregon, graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy in 1992.
After earning his Naval Aviator wings in 1995 and completing E-2C+ Group II Hawkeye training at Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 in Norfolk, Virginia, Gelker reported to the “Black Eagles” of VAW-113 in Miramar, California. While there, he earned his Carrier Aircraft Commander (CAPC) and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) qualifications, completed a successful deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and moved with the squadron to Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, California, when all west coast E-2s changed their homeport in 1998.
He returned to VAW-120 in 2000 where he was an E-2C+ instructor pilot, Training LSO, NATOPS model manager, and Hawkeye demonstration pilot. In 2002 he was assigned as the Strike Operations officer on the Carrier Strike Group 4 staff where he completed another deployment aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73). Gelker next went to his department head tour with the “Bear Aces” of VAW-124, where he made his third deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), during which they were the first squadron to transition to, and deploy with, the new 8-bladed propellers.
His next two tours were as the E-2 and C-2 Aircraft Requirements Offer on the Commander Naval Air Forces staff at Norfolk, Virginia, then as the Cooperative Engagement Capability and Combat Identification Requirements Officer in the Surface Directorate on the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon.
Following his tour in the Pentagon, Gelker reported to Naval Recruiting District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as executive officer and subsequently became commanding officer for his final active duty tour.
In 2013, Gelker transitioned from the Navy and returned to the Pentagon as the assistant E-2C/E-2D and Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air Requirements Officer on the OPNAV staff, first in the Information Warfare Directorate, then in the Aviation Directorate. He was instrumental in validating warfighter requirements then briefing naval and Joint leadership to secure and defend funding for vital E-2D capability upgrades. He also supported the International Partner directorate at the Joint Program Office for the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) in Crystal City, Virginia, before returning to California and joining Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in Point Mugu in 2017.
Before being designated as Technical Director, Gelker served as the E-2D Platform Coordinator at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30. He also assisted in the stand-up of the E-2D test capability at NAWCWD/VX-30 and participated in the planning and execution of multiple successful ground and flight tests. He was also a supervisor/branch head in NAWCWD’s Flight Test Directorate, first in the Weapons T&E Division, then in the Integrated Warfare T&E Division. He was also a member of the NAWCWD Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation execution team, tasked to train and assist program/project test leads in CBTE methodology and integration into their efforts.
Cmdr. Gary Redman
Executive Officer, VX-30
Commander Gary Redman, a native of Decatur, Tennessee, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He holds master’s degrees in Systems Engineering from the George Washington University, Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, Defense and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School, the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School.
Upon graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Redman cross commissioned into the Navy as a naval flight officer candidate. He then reported to Pensacola, Florida, for naval flight officer training where he earned his wings of gold in January 2007 as an E-2 Hawkeye naval flight officer.
After completing a tour with the E-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron, Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120, Redman reported to the VAW-121 “Bluetails” in Norfolk, Virginia, in August of 2008, where he served as the mission planning officer, line division officer, and NFO NATOPS officer. While assigned to VAW-121, he completed two deployments onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and multiple exercises in the Persian Gulf.
Redman then reported to the Airborne Command Control & Logistics Weapons School, in Norfolk in August 2011 as an instructor for E-2 tactical aircrew training. After completing his instructor tour, he reported to the VAW-126 “Seahawks” in July 2014 as the training officer. He then reported to the Naval War College for Command and Staff School in Newport, Rhode Island.
After being selected for Operational Department Head, CDR Redman reported the VAW-116 “Sun Kings” located in Point Mugu, California, where is served as the safety officer, administration officer, and operations officer in his three-year tenure. He was part of two deployments onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVW 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Redman checked onboard with the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 “Bloodhounds” in April of 2021, and served as the Point Mugu Sea Range, Air Threat Systems, and E-2 Test Team department head before taking over as the executive officer.
Cmdr. Jose Ayala
Chief Test Pilot, VX-30
Cmdr. Jose Anderson Ayala was born in Bronx, New York and grew up in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. He attended Naval Academy Preparatory School and earned an appointment to the Naval Academy in June 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in May 2008 and Master of Science in Systems Engineering from George Washington University in May 2017. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in September 2010.
A carrier aviator in the E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, his sea assignments include Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 124 Bear Aces in 2011, Commander Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in 2018, and VAW-113 Black Eagles in 2020. He completed two deployments aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Ayala also attended Fighter Weapon School (TOPGUN) Air Intercept Course while at VAW-124. During his Flag Aide tour with CTF-70/CSG-5, he deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan in support of three patrols in the Indo-Pacific Area of Operations. During his department head tour with VAW-113, he served as safety officer, administrative officer, and operations officer, and also deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in support of western Pacific/Indo-Pacific operations and the inaugural Strike Group of the Future deployment.
Ashore, Ayala was selected to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School (TPS), followed by a Flight Test tour as E-2 Project Officer at VX-20 beginning in 2015. He was an E-2 project officer for INMARSAT, Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems, E-2D Communications, E-2D Radar, Delta System Software Configuration Build 3 (DSSC-3), FLEX 2017, Joint Mission Planning System, System Configuration Software 10 (SCS-10), JTIDS Product Improvement, E-2 C/D and C-2A Supportability, E-2D Cyber Security, and fleet integrated exercises Netted Sensors and Black Dart. Ayala served at Chief of Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) as the E-2 / C-2 / MQ-25 Class Desk Officer for CNAL/CNAP beginning in 2022. He redesignated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in 2024. Ayala reported to VX-30 as the chief test pilot in 2025.
Ayala has over 2,000 flight hours in more than 20 Type/Model/Series of aircraft. His awards include the Air Strike/Flight Medal, Navy / Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Navy / Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Senior Chief Justin Davis
Command Senior Enlisted Leader, VX-30
A native of Mesa, Arizona, Command Senior Chief Justin Davis reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, in July 2004 and began his career as an aviation electrician’s mate.
He has served several sea duty tours, including Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, Point Mugu, California; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, Whidbey Island, Washington; and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Lemoore, California.
His previous shore tours include Navy Talent Acquisition Group in Phoenix, Arizona; and Joint Strike Fighter Wing in Lemoore.
Davis is a graduate of Command Leadership CMC/COB Course (Class 24120), and Senior Enlisted Academy (Class Purple).
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, and various campaign and operational awards. He is qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW), Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (SW), and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist (IW).
VX-30 "Bloodhounds"
Established in May 1995, VX-30 is a weapons test squadron whose mission is to provide research, development, test, and evaluation of manned and unmanned fixed and rotary wing aircraft and weapons systems. VX-30 also provides support to the Point Mugu Sea Range, both locally and worldwide.
The Bloodhounds and their sister squadron VX-31 make up the two components of the Naval Test Wing Pacific.
Bloodhound aircraft accomplish range surveillance, photometric support, area clearance, and airborne telemetry on the Naval Air Systems Command Sea Test Range. Project officers lead several weapon system developmental test programs for the Fleet. The Range Department operational specialists are responsible for safety of flight and range clearance for the 36,000 square mile Point Mugu Sea Range. The Airborne Threat Simulation Detachment routinely deploys worldwide to meet unique weapon testing needs at remote ranges and to provide fleet support.
Cmdr. Barry F. Carmody, Jr.
Commanding Officer, VX-30
Cmdr. Barry F. Carmody, Jr., a native of Elk Grove, California, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University in June 2006.
Following his designation as a Naval Aviator in December 2007, he completed initial training in the P-3C Orion and reported to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 in Brunswick, Maine. From 2008 to 2011, he completed multiple operational deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Serving as an Instructor Pilot, Mission Commander, and Pilot Training officer during this period, he also participated in a squadron homeport change to Jacksonville, Florida.
After his tenure in Florida, Carmody joined Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 in Patuxent River, Maryland. He conducted multiple operational assessments in support of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation of the P-8A Poseidon, and he was designated a P-8A Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot before attending the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2012.
Following graduation as a member of USNTPS Class 144, Carmody was assigned to VX-20, where he led developmental testing for the P-8A Special Mission Configuration. His performance earned him the VX-20 Test Pilot of the Year Award in 2014 and the National Defense Industrial Association Tester of the Year in 2015.
Redesignated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer, he reported to Maritime Patrol & Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) in 2016 to serve as the Advanced Airborne Sensor Integration and Rapid Capabilities lead, executing platform development and test for AAS Initial Operational Capability and first deployment.
In 2019, Carmody reported to the Advanced Sensors Technologies Program Office to serve as lead for Development programs and the Airborne Radars Integrated Product Team and was responsible for total life-cycle management of both the Advanced Airborne Sensor and Littoral Surveillance Radar System.
In 2022, Carmody returned to PMA-290 as a co-Integrated Product Team lead for the P-8A. In 2023, he took on his current role as the Chief Test Pilot for VX-30 in Point Mugu, California. He took over as commanding officer of the squadron May 1, 2025.
Carmody has over 2,200 flight hours in more than 23 Type/Model/Series of aircraft. He holds multiple Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications, and his personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).
Thomas Gelker
Technical Director, VX-30
Thomas Gelker, a native of Eugene, Oregon, graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy in 1992.
After earning his Naval Aviator wings in 1995 and completing E-2C+ Group II Hawkeye training at Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 in Norfolk, Virginia, Gelker reported to the “Black Eagles” of VAW-113 in Miramar, California. While there, he earned his Carrier Aircraft Commander (CAPC) and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) qualifications, completed a successful deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and moved with the squadron to Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, California, when all west coast E-2s changed their homeport in 1998.
He returned to VAW-120 in 2000 where he was an E-2C+ instructor pilot, Training LSO, NATOPS model manager, and Hawkeye demonstration pilot. In 2002 he was assigned as the Strike Operations officer on the Carrier Strike Group 4 staff where he completed another deployment aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73). Gelker next went to his department head tour with the “Bear Aces” of VAW-124, where he made his third deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), during which they were the first squadron to transition to, and deploy with, the new 8-bladed propellers.
His next two tours were as the E-2 and C-2 Aircraft Requirements Offer on the Commander Naval Air Forces staff at Norfolk, Virginia, then as the Cooperative Engagement Capability and Combat Identification Requirements Officer in the Surface Directorate on the Chief of Naval Operations staff at the Pentagon.
Following his tour in the Pentagon, Gelker reported to Naval Recruiting District Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as executive officer and subsequently became commanding officer for his final active duty tour.
In 2013, Gelker transitioned from the Navy and returned to the Pentagon as the assistant E-2C/E-2D and Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air Requirements Officer on the OPNAV staff, first in the Information Warfare Directorate, then in the Aviation Directorate. He was instrumental in validating warfighter requirements then briefing naval and Joint leadership to secure and defend funding for vital E-2D capability upgrades. He also supported the International Partner directorate at the Joint Program Office for the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) in Crystal City, Virginia, before returning to California and joining Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in Point Mugu in 2017.
Before being designated as Technical Director, Gelker served as the E-2D Platform Coordinator at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30. He also assisted in the stand-up of the E-2D test capability at NAWCWD/VX-30 and participated in the planning and execution of multiple successful ground and flight tests. He was also a supervisor/branch head in NAWCWD’s Flight Test Directorate, first in the Weapons T&E Division, then in the Integrated Warfare T&E Division. He was also a member of the NAWCWD Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation execution team, tasked to train and assist program/project test leads in CBTE methodology and integration into their efforts.
Cmdr. Gary Redman
Executive Officer, VX-30
Commander Gary Redman, a native of Decatur, Tennessee, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He holds master’s degrees in Systems Engineering from the George Washington University, Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, Defense and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a graduate of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School, the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School.
Upon graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Redman cross commissioned into the Navy as a naval flight officer candidate. He then reported to Pensacola, Florida, for naval flight officer training where he earned his wings of gold in January 2007 as an E-2 Hawkeye naval flight officer.
After completing a tour with the E-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron, Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120, Redman reported to the VAW-121 “Bluetails” in Norfolk, Virginia, in August of 2008, where he served as the mission planning officer, line division officer, and NFO NATOPS officer. While assigned to VAW-121, he completed two deployments onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and multiple exercises in the Persian Gulf.
Redman then reported to the Airborne Command Control & Logistics Weapons School, in Norfolk in August 2011 as an instructor for E-2 tactical aircrew training. After completing his instructor tour, he reported to the VAW-126 “Seahawks” in July 2014 as the training officer. He then reported to the Naval War College for Command and Staff School in Newport, Rhode Island.
After being selected for Operational Department Head, CDR Redman reported the VAW-116 “Sun Kings” located in Point Mugu, California, where is served as the safety officer, administration officer, and operations officer in his three-year tenure. He was part of two deployments onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVW 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Redman checked onboard with the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 “Bloodhounds” in April of 2021, and served as the Point Mugu Sea Range, Air Threat Systems, and E-2 Test Team department head before taking over as the executive officer.
Cmdr. Jose Ayala
Chief Test Pilot, VX-30
Cmdr. Jose Anderson Ayala was born in Bronx, New York and grew up in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. He attended Naval Academy Preparatory School and earned an appointment to the Naval Academy in June 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in May 2008 and Master of Science in Systems Engineering from George Washington University in May 2017. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in September 2010.
A carrier aviator in the E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, his sea assignments include Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 124 Bear Aces in 2011, Commander Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in 2018, and VAW-113 Black Eagles in 2020. He completed two deployments aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Ayala also attended Fighter Weapon School (TOPGUN) Air Intercept Course while at VAW-124. During his Flag Aide tour with CTF-70/CSG-5, he deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan in support of three patrols in the Indo-Pacific Area of Operations. During his department head tour with VAW-113, he served as safety officer, administrative officer, and operations officer, and also deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in support of western Pacific/Indo-Pacific operations and the inaugural Strike Group of the Future deployment.
Ashore, Ayala was selected to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School (TPS), followed by a Flight Test tour as E-2 Project Officer at VX-20 beginning in 2015. He was an E-2 project officer for INMARSAT, Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems, E-2D Communications, E-2D Radar, Delta System Software Configuration Build 3 (DSSC-3), FLEX 2017, Joint Mission Planning System, System Configuration Software 10 (SCS-10), JTIDS Product Improvement, E-2 C/D and C-2A Supportability, E-2D Cyber Security, and fleet integrated exercises Netted Sensors and Black Dart. Ayala served at Chief of Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) as the E-2 / C-2 / MQ-25 Class Desk Officer for CNAL/CNAP beginning in 2022. He redesignated as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in 2024. Ayala reported to VX-30 as the chief test pilot in 2025.
Ayala has over 2,000 flight hours in more than 20 Type/Model/Series of aircraft. His awards include the Air Strike/Flight Medal, Navy / Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Navy / Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Senior Chief Justin Davis
Command Senior Enlisted Leader, VX-30
A native of Mesa, Arizona, Command Senior Chief Justin Davis reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, in July 2004 and began his career as an aviation electrician’s mate.
He has served several sea duty tours, including Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112, Point Mugu, California; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, Whidbey Island, Washington; and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Lemoore, California.
His previous shore tours include Navy Talent Acquisition Group in Phoenix, Arizona; and Joint Strike Fighter Wing in Lemoore.
Davis is a graduate of Command Leadership CMC/COB Course (Class 24120), and Senior Enlisted Academy (Class Purple).
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, and various campaign and operational awards. He is qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW), Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (SW), and Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist (IW).