CHINA LAKE, Calif. — Col. Andre Mercier, commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation squadron (VX) 31, accepts congratulations from Col. Mark Johnson, Marine Aviation Detachment (MAD) commanding officer, who promoted Mercier from Lt. Col. July 1 in a ceremony held at the VX-31 headquarters.

In attendance were Mercier’s wife and their two children. Mercier recently assumed command of VX-31 after serving as their chief test pilot for the past eighteen months. (U.S. Navy photo by CWO3 Michael Osilla)