Each year the command at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Thirty One (VX-31) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake selects members of its military and civilian team as Test Pilot of the Year, Test Naval Flight Officer of the Year and Flight Test Engineer of the Year. "Competition was keen, but in the end, the performance of these individuals was exceptional and made them stand out for the knowledge and performance involving flight test this last year,” explained Cmdr. Tim Morey, VX-31’s commanding officer.

For 2005, the honorees are Test Pilot of the Year Lt. Cmdr. Kyle T. Turco, of the Direct Attack Technical Project Office; Test Naval Flight Officer of the Year Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Modlin, FA-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory; and Flight Test Engineer of the Year Kenneth P. Murphy, of the FA-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory (AWL).

According to the Morey, who presented the awards January 9, their efforts had direct and immediate impact on the global war on terror. “They planned, executed, and reported on flight test activities for several key combat capabilities that made it to the fleet, and saw our warfighters use those capabilities immediately in combat action,” he said at the ceremony. “We are extremely proud of their efforts and the impact they and the rest of their NAWCWD teammates are having on our warfighters.”

Test Pilot of the Year 2005

During the past year, Lt. Cmdr. Kyle T. Turco has served as the VX-31 Weapons Test and Evaluation coordinator. As the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) Project Officer, Turco implemented introduction of fleet upgrades, oversaw the testing of JSOW Block II moving target data link capabilities, and demonstrated the JSOW Anti-Surface Warfare program. He also contributed significantly to the JSOW Block II cost reduction efforts, which contributed to the program receiving the highly esteemed David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.

According to Lt. Cmdr. John Bailey, from the JSOW NAVAIR headquarters class desk, “Turco did an outstanding job leading the JSOW test team through challenging phases of the multiple programs, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. As the JSOW class desk, I relied heavily on his initiative and expertise on-site in China Lake.”

As the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Project Officer, Turco provided the fleet introduction of the GBU-38 and integration on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. He also was involved in the release of the first Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Dual Mode weapons.

Test Naval Flight Officer of the Year 2005

Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Modlin’s exceptional technical expertise and noteworthy drive and dedication as the F/A-18 AWL Electro-Optical/Infrared Project (EO/IR) Officer are the basis for his selection by VX-31 leadership as the Test Naval Flight Officer of the Year for 2005. Modlin received the squadron’s award for his involvement is shepherding the SHAred Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) into operational test. He also received a Gold Star in lieu of his third Navy Commendation Medal. Modlin led the SHARP team in the expansion of the fleet tactical reconnaissance envelope with a high altitude sensor and data-link. According to Morey, Modlin provided timely fleet support in the form of Litening AT Targeting Pod operational user briefs and translated Electro-Optical/Infrared requirements from operational fleet needs to AWL test team focus.

Modlin also served as the project officer for the H4E higher order language mission computer operational flight program for the F/A-18 Super Hornet, thereby providing new combat capability to the fleet. “Modlin worked hand in hand with many subject matter experts in characterizing fleet needs and steering the AWL test team’s focus towards meeting those needs,” explained Morey.

Cmdr. Tim Morey (left), VX-31’s commanding officer, and Lt. Col. Mark Johnson,(right), chief test pilot, were on hand to congratulate the 2005 military and civilian honorees. They are Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Turco, of the Direct Attack Technical Project Office; Test Naval Flight Officer of the Year Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Modlin, FA-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory; and Flight Test Engineer of the Year Mr. Ken Murphy, of the FA-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory.

Flight Test Engineer of the Year 2005

According to the squadron’s commanding officer, Ken Murphy serves as project engineer for the F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory’s Electro-Optical/Infrared test team. “Murphy is a highly respected flight test engineer within the F/A-18 test community and is experienced and professional in all of his responsibilities,” explained Morey. “His passion and initiative, superb organizational and communication skills, and technical acumen are rare and valuable traits that have directly contributed to the success of his programs.”

In the past few years, advanced EO/IR systems have become a critical combat strike package item for the fleet. He coordinated the modification of multiple VX-31 F/A-18 aircraft for EO/IR system test, providing quick turn-around answers to time critical fleet warfighter needs. He also developed the Litening AT targeting pod training syllabus allowing fleet users to quickly take advantage of the enhanced warfighting capabilities that new targeting pod brought to the battlefield.

In addition, Murphy authored the Naval Aviation Technical Information Publication chapter for the Litening AT targeting pod and participated in the development of the documentation for many other systems.

As a nationally recognized systems integrator and flight test engineer in the EO/IR arena, Murphy’s abilities and knowledge have been requested by all levels of Naval and Marine Corps aviation -- from local aircrew and engineers, active fleet squadrons deploying with this sensor, industry teams, on up to highest levels at NAVAIR. Integrating these systems onto the F/A-18 platform has required in-depth knowledge of the aircraft weapons systems, Mission Computer software and the Advanced Targeting FLIR interface.

FMI: www.navy.mil