PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD—Retired Rear Adm. Craig Steidle will be the guest speaker at the Naval Test Wing Atlantic awards luncheon during the United States Naval Test Pilot School's 58th annual symposium and reunion here April 20 and 21.

Steidle is serving as the Dr. David F. Rogers Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. Before this, he was the vice president of Defense & International Programs, Aerospace Industries Association. From 2003-2005, Steidle served as NASA's Associate Administrator for Exploration.

During his 30-year career in the Navy, Steidle served as the Naval Air Systems vice commander, Joint Strike Fighter Program director, and F/A-18 program manager. He flew more than 70 types of aircraft, including the F/A-18, A-6, F-4, A-3, H-2 and Sea Harrier. His awards include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.

This year's USNTPS symposium and reunion kicks-off with a four-person scramble golf tournament beginning April 20 at 8 a.m., followed by a casual evening reception in the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

Events begin on April 21 with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a Technical Symposium from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The symposium will be comprised of eight presentations chosen from submissions about current test projects at NAS Patuxent River, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake, Calif., NAWCWD Point Mugu, Calif., Fort Rucker, Ala., Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Edwards AFB, Calif. The program will provide an opportunity for publicity and professional acknowledgment of current efforts of USNTPS alumni.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic will hold its awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m. April 21 in the Cedar Point Officers' Club. At this event, Steidle will speak, and the Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and representatives of several civic groups will recognize the top test pilot, test naval flight officer, test engineer, and test pilot school instructor. A buffet lunch will be served and a speaker will address the group. The day's activities end with a "fly-in" social at 5 p.m. in the Bachelor Officers' Quarters Flight Deck Lounge.

Alumni who have not been in contact with the school recently are asked to send their mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses to:
Commanding Officer
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School
22783 Cedar Point Road
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1160

Alumni also may contact the alumni clerk at 301-757-5012 or 301-757-5013.

For more information, contact reunion coordinators Cmdr. Paul Bernado at 301-995-3781 or e-mail: [email protected] or Richard Greenleaf at 301-757-5018 or e-mail: [email protected]. Visit the USNTPS Web site at http://www.usntps.navy.mil to register or e-mail the school at [email protected] for more information.

-USN-