Lt. Col. Aaron Okun took command of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 Blackjacks from Cmdr. Nicholas Green during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on Feb. 13.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville presided over the ceremony.

“The dedication of HX-21 exemplifies the Navy and Marine Corps’ ethos, and their work remains vital in providing the operational edge our forces need to maintain dominance in any environment,” said Somerville. “They are the cornerstone in ensuring that future rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft capabilities meet the highest standards for training, combat and support missions.”

Okun assumes command after serving as HX-21’s Chief Test Pilot. Green, who led the squadron since June 2023, will join the V-22 Joint Program Office as a Integrated Product Team Lead.

Okun earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2007 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. His career includes key roles with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 21 Raging Bulls where he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, where he contributed to operational testing for the V-22. After training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) in 2017, Okun joined HX-21 leading flight tests for projects including aerial refueling and fatigue testing.

"I am incredibly proud to take command of HX-21 and continue the remarkable legacy of this squadron," said Okun. "I look forward to working with the outstanding HX-21 team as we continue to deliver vital capabilities to our warfighters."

Green is a native of Virginia Beach and U.S. Naval Academy alum. The H-60 Seahawk pilot flew with multiple squadrons over various sea and shore tours, including two assignments with HX-21 where he led Seahawk advancement overseeing all developmental test efforts across each of the Navy's MH-60R/S variants, international military variants, as well as mission system upgrades and foreign military sales. He also served as chief engineer for the Navy's H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters Program. The USNTPS graduate has flown more than 2,300 flight hours in 27 different aircraft.

"It has been the honor to serve as the commanding officer of HX-21 working alongside the incredible Blackjacks who embody the highest standards of professionalism and excellence," said Green. "As I hand over the reins to Okun, I do so with full confidence in his leadership. The future of HX-21 is in good hands and the squadron will continue to soar to new heights, pushing boundaries and ensuring our fleet is always ready for the challenges ahead."

HX-21 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the test wing under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. Nicknamed the “Blackjacks,” the squadron provides developmental flight test and evaluation for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft. NAS Patuxent River is home to HX-21 since 1949 where the squadron advances capability and readiness for six families of aircraft including the CH-53E/K, the C/MV-22, the H-1Y/Z, MH-60R/S, and the Presidential Helicopter fleet.

With facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.