Colonel Jason Duke relieved Colonel Vasilios Pappas as the commanding officer of the USMC H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter Program Office (PMA-276) during a change of command ceremony at the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One’s (HX-21) hangar on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Mar. 20.

The change of command ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General David Walsh, Program Executive Officer for Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs, who offered words of encouragement and praise to both Col. Pappas and Col. Duke.

The Navy Reserve’s KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP200 propeller system, is cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025.

The test effort expands Hercules’ mission – and that of the Navy’s fleet reserve, which exclusively operates the aircraft – beyond its primary focus on logistics and cargo transport.

Late last year, the Marine Corps successfully executed its first live employment test of a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability. The event was successfully executed at Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) in Yuma, AZ where an AH-1Z conducted single launch by way of a wireless application via Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB).

The November test at YPG exceeded the threshold requirements with regards to position, navigation, and timing. This activity marks the first time a Marine Corps rotary-wing platform has employed a weapon system using a tablet-controlled device.

The ever-enduring C-130 Hercules celebrated 70 years of unwavering service last year. Since its inception in 1954, the Hercules continues to be used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing.

Seven decades ago, the C-130 had an original usage as a medium cargo plane able to land in short, confined runways. As the mission and needs of the fleet changed, the aircraft moved into providing tactical airlift, humanitarian aid, air support, and various mission support across the globe.

In a ceremony held at the Pentagon, six Program Executive Office, Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) were recognized by the annual Department of the Navy Acquisition Excellence Awards committee.  

The newly named Sean J. Stackley Acquisition Excellence Awards recognizes teams and individuals across the Department of the Navy (DON) for quality work and service that contributes to the Navy and Marine Corps. 

Two EP-3E Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic System (ARIES) II aircraft stopped at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River while making their return journey from final detachments. Upon arrival of the second aircraft, current and former Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) personnel gathered to commemorate the aircraft flown by a crew from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1. NAS Patuxent River was the first stateside stop before both aircraft flew home to NAS Whidbey Island.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River had the opportunity to speak with Judy Polca, a Tricare Prime member who is part of the PMA-271 team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, regarding her battle with breast cancer. Judy was diagnosed in March of this year and is determined to share her story as widely as possible to encourage women and men to advocate for their health and maintaining preventive health screenings.

The U.S. Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) and Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1) today announced the name selected for the Navy’s new Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission aircraft: E-130J.

The E-130J – previously called the E-XX while awaiting naming – will relieve the Navy’s E-6B Mercury fleet of the TACAMO mission, which connects the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command with naval ballistic missile forces.

Colonel Robert Hurst relieved Colonel Brian Taylor as the commanding officer of the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) during a change of command ceremony at the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One’s (HX-21) hangar on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 10.

The change of command ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General David Walsh, Program Executive Officer for Air, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs, who offered words of encouragement and praise to both Hurst and Taylor.