Capt. David Halpern relieved Capt. Ryan Bryla as the commodore of Naval Test Wing Pacific during a change of command ceremony in Point Mugu, California, on July 14.

Bryla is retiring after 27 years of service.

“As we all know, service to our nation is not a singles match,” Bryla said, addressing the assembled crowd. “Without the support, mentorship and guidance from some great individuals, I would have never served for as long as I have. I appreciate the support over the years and I owe a debt of gratitude to each of you.”

In turning over command to Halpern, Bryla said “You are the right person at the right time to take the reins of Naval Test Wing Pacific and prepare the Navy for the future airwing.”

Halpern earned his commission in 2000 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 2002 and initially trained in the EA-6B Prowler. He was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Cooperative program, was designated a test naval flight officer and earned a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Halpern’s career has included support to Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve, and Freedom of Navigation operations throughout the South China Sea. He has conducted ground and flight test of the EA-18G Growler, F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-6B, and X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System. Halpern was also responsible for Operational Testing of the F-35C, F/A-18 E/F, EA-18G and the AV-8B.

Halpern addressed his new command with enthusiasm and an eye on – and over – the horizon.

“The future of test and evaluation hold immense promise,” he said, and I am “excited to work with a team of professionals who are dedicated to our mission: ensuring that our next-generation capabilities increase warfighter effectiveness on time and on budget.”

As the threat continues to evolve, so must the Navy’s response to it. And to do that, Halpern believes that NTWP will need to embrace technologies like modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the “cutting-edge capabilities we develop are ready for deployment and empower the warfighters with the tools they need to succeed in their mission,” Halpern said.

“As we embark on this journey together, I have complete faith in the talent and dedication of the men and women of Naval Test Wing Pacific. Each of you plays a vital role in our mission, and I am honored to serve alongside you.”