NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) named its 2008 top “testers” during a recent award luncheon at the Cedar Point Officer’s Club here.

NTWL recognized outstanding 2008 performers supporting the development and acquisition of naval aeronautical and related technology systems in the categories of Test Pilot of the Year, Naval Flight Officer of the Year, Flight Test Engineer of the Year and Test Pilot School Instructor of the Year.

“Their performance and accomplishments are richly deserving of recognition,” said Capt. Tom Huff, NTWL commander. “They represent a small portion of the absolute professionals who are conducting tests here at NAS Patuxent River.”

Each year, nominees are selected, based on above and beyond performance, to represent leadership and excellence in each award category. The Wing awards the highest honors to individuals from its four squadrons: Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron (VX) 23; Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron (HX) 21; Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron (VX) 20; and the US Naval Test Pilot School for contributions to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division test community and the Fleet.

Three members from VX-20 were among the nominees. NC-130H Naval Flight Officer Lt. Glenn Rioux, was awarded NFO of the Year. Navy League vice-president, Mike Cosgrove, presented the award.

“I am very honored that I was selected to receive this award,” said Lt. Rioux, NC-130H test team lead, “but, I realize foremost that I did not accomplish this by myself. I work with dedicated, professional and hard-working teams. Without their dedication and support, I would not have been successful in my tasking this past year.”

Rioux is a Test Pilot School graduate assigned to VX-20 in 2007. As an E-2C Mission Commander, Rioux has conducted developmental test programs for mission systems upgrades to the aircraft including development and risk reduction testing for the E-2 Advanced Development Radar Modernization Program.

“Since I arrived here, I have worked with my peers on projects to improve the quantity and quality of information available in the E-2C command and control platform,” said Rioux. “We conduct developmental test programs to better the future of the E-2C Hawkeye and provide the best possible equipment and systems to our warfighters.”

According to the citation, Rioux’s leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in completing Office of Naval Research “Family of Systems” Demonstration for Network Centric Warfare and Advanced Area Defense Interception.

"Lt. Rioux is a highly motivated test NFO who has managed a challenging high-visibility test program extremely well,” said Cmdr. James Borghardt, VX-20 platform coordinator. “His efficient flexibility has enabled the NC-130H test team to meet all of their objectives while supporting this complex family of systems.”

Other award recipients included Test Pilot of the Year, Marine Corps Maj. Kevin Erker, VX-23; Flight Test Engineer of the Year, Richard Wilder, HX-21; Test Pilot School Instructor of the Year, Cmdr. Paul Bernado, Test Pilot School.

Recipients of the awards were presented with a custom engraved watch, a Navy/Marine Corp Commendation Medal and a personalized plaque.

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Cutline: Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis is photographed with the 2008 NTWL award recipients and their sponsoring presenters after an April 20 awards luncheon at the Cedar Point Officer’s Club here. Photographed from left to right: Bottom left, Richard Wilder, Lt. Glenn Rioux, Marine Corps Maj. Kevin Erker, Cmdr. Paul Bernado and Rear Adm. B.D. Gaddis. Top left, John Goddard, Mike Cosgrove, Donald Boecker, Mike Wallace and Capt. Tom Huff. (U.S. Navy Photo)