Unit Performs R&D, Testing, And Evaluation Of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Cmdr. Samuel Hanaki, has turned over command of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 to Cmdr. Andrew Ballinger during a change of command ceremony June 23 in Point Mugu, California.

The ceremony included former VX-30 Skipper Capt. Thomas Santomauro as the presiding officer and Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Commander Rear Adm. Brian Corey as the guest speaker. Hanaki will report to Program Executive Officer, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence in San Diego.

VX-30 is manned by more than 200 Sailors, civilians and contractors. Its mission is to provide research, development, test and evaluation of unmanned fixed and rotary wing aircraft and weapons systems.

The VX-30 “Bloodhounds” also support the sea test range locally and worldwide. They accomplish the mission using a diverse aircraft inventory including manned aircraft, NP-3D/P-3C Orion and KC-130T Hercules, as well as unmanned aerial systems, MQ-8C Fire Scout, RQ-23A TigerShark, and NRQ-21A Integrator.

(Image provided with NAVAIR news release. Cmdr. Samuel Hanaki, left, saluting, Cmdr. Andrew Ballinger right saluting)

FMI: www.navair.navy.mil