NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 hailed its new commanding officer in a ceremony held here April 26.

Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Neville, the former chief test pilot for HX-21, assumed command from Cmdr. William McConvey, who stepped into the role of integrated product team lead for the Presidential Helicopters Program.

“I was blessed to have the opportunity to lead the finest squadron these past 18   months and marvel at what this team accomplished,” McConvey said in his farewell speech. “You will find no greater team of dedicated Sailors, Marines, contractors and career government service personnel dedicated to their country than those assembled here at HX-21 who contribute to our test programs.”

 HX-21 supports aircraft program managers and fleet warfighters through developmental flight test and evaluation of rotary-wing, tilt-rotor aircraft and airborne systems. More than 200 military, civilian and industry team members directly support the organization, which the Navy formally established in 2002.

 Incoming commander Neville expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the squadron.

 “This squadron will continue to face challenges in the coming years, to include some we’ve never had to face in the past,” Neville said. “Global threats remain, and commitments are not decreasing. Our uniformed service members, our civilians and their families are being asked to do more with less and not sacrifice the total quality of the product. I’m confident in HX-21’s ability to continue to attack these challenges and execute our mission successfully.”

 A native of Pompano Beach, Fla., Neville graduated from the University of Florida in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. The United States Marine Corps commissioned him as a second lieutenant in 1993 through the Officer Candidate Class Program in Quantico, Va., and he earned his pilot’s wings in Pensacola, Fla.

 Neville has held several positions within the Naval Air Systems Command, including operations officer and executive officer at HX-21, deputy program manager for Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems and chief test pilot for all Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor developmental test and evaluation. He has more than 2,500 operational and test flight hours in 25 different type/model/series fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

 Guest speaker Marine Corps Col. Roger Cordell, commander of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, recognized the outgoing and incoming commanders and their leadership.

 “Wade, your team has taught me that with proper leadership, we can execute flight tests, accomplish our mission and take care of our people,” Cordell said. “John, your vast fleet and test experience have brought you here and I have every confidence that you will continue to guide HX-21 with the steady hand to which it has grown accustomed.”