Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 team members pose for a squadron photo with their various aircraft in 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mike McGinnis)
VX-31 earns CNO Naval Aviation Safety Award
The Dust Devils of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 won the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for fiscal year 2019.
The honor, also known as the CNO Safety “S” Award, was announced April 20 and recognizes squadrons for “exceptional professionalism, commitment to excellence, solid leadership and teamwork, the high-velocity outcomes, and in-depth risk management culture which resulted in safe and effective operations.”
“VX-31’s submission highlighted our impeccable safety record for 2019 as well as our safe and expedient return to accomplishing mission after the July 2019 earthquakes and our continued safe operations under challenging post-earthquake conditions,” said Capt. Andrew Gephart, VX-31 commanding officer. “The squadron is proud to receive this award as it recognizes the focus and effort of 485 squadron personnel every day over an entire year that it took to achieve what we did.”
The July 2019 earthquakes in Ridgecrest, California, where the squadron is based, measured 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude. They disrupted operations and damaged facilities – VX-31’s hangar will need complete replacement.
“I don’t think the earthquake was the total factor here, but I think it probably did factor in,” said Kolin Campbell, VX-31 safety officer.
The move to temporary facilities has added complexity to everyday processes, he added, noting that disruptions to routine are often factors in safety incidents. But even with that, the team pulled together and pulled through, Campbell said.
“We had a good year.”
In addition to VX-31's responsibilities with test and evaluation, the squadron also includes a search and rescue helicopter department. The department primarily exists for SAR missions in the event of a military aircraft accident in the area, but will also help with non-military rescues if needed.
“The squadron took on the severe challenges caused by the earthquakes and still found a way to execute their test and evaluation and search and rescue missions safely,” said Capt. Andrew McFarland, Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore. “I’m so proud of the Dust Devils, showing everyone how it’s done.”
Later this year, the squadron will be presented with an engraved plaque commemorating the achievement. They’ve also earned the right to paint the safety “S” on their aircraft until another squadron is selected next year.