Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake Public Affairs Office
by Desiree Jones and Susan Read

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31 (VX-31), China Lake, Califoria, has received the Chief of Naval Operations 2003 Naval Aviation Safety Award for outstanding safety achievement during aircraft operations in the United States Naval Air Systems Command. Rear Admiral Mark Skinner, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division presented the award plaque and citation to an “all hands” squadron assembly on Monday, April 11, 2005.

According to the citation, “This award recognizes superior leadership, a proactive All Hands commitment to the principles of operational risk management and superlative airmanship. They consistently demonstrated professionalism, superb skill and the highest level of operational readiness. Their exemplary record and exemplary performance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States naval service.”

CDR William Chubb, commanding officer of VX-31, said the squadron provided the people and equipment to generate more than 4,200 flight hours in testing and training with developmental weapons system software, new weapons, sensors and avionics for the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier and AH-1W Cobra communities. The command also successfully supported HH1N Huey, T-39D Saberliner and SW-4 Metroliner aircraft. Chubb also noted that every test aircraft in the squadron’s inventory is completely unique in its configuration, maintenance support requirements and extensive modification history due to the requirement to support new and fielded weapons and systems.

The command has also safely detached aircraft and personnel to such varied locations as Naval Air Station Point Mugu, White Sands Test Range, Eglin Air Force Base, Elmendorf (Alaska) Air Force Base, and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. All of this was achieved with zero Class A mishaps, zero Class B mishaps and no loss of life or major injury. “The men and women of VX-31 have worked hard throughout the entire period and have unquestionably proven themselves worthy of this award,” Chubb said.

The admiral also acknowledged the squadron’s efforts. “Preventing injury to and protecting our most valuable resource – our people – is the hallmark of the Navy’s aviation safety program. The dedication shown among all pay grades in VX-31 shows the commitment to real, meaningful and lasting change. I congratulate you all, from the junior enlisted to the contract maintainers, from the flight test teams to the skipper, each member of this team did their part to “save the squadron.” Your dedication to safety day to day, hour to hour and year to year has proven yourselves worthy of this prestigious award.”

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Photo cutline:
Rear Admiral Mark Skinner, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, presents outstanding safety achievement award to representatives of VX-31, (L-R) AE1 Robert P. Pallat, Jr., ADC(AW/NAC) Robert L. Burrows, RDML Mark Skinner, VX-31 Safety Officer GRANT KOWALCHICK, AZCM (AW) Seuseu Suamataia.