Eric Hattoy

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4), known as the "Evaluators," was established by the U.S. Navy in 1950 at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. Its primary mission was to conduct operational test and evaluation of airborne fighter weapons systems, tactics, and equipment, particularly for Navy carrier-based aircraft. Over the decades, VX-4 played a crucial role in the development and refinement of air-to-air missiles, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities, notably contributing to the advancement of the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat programs. In 1994, VX-4 was disestablished and its functions merged into VX-9, continuing its legacy of supporting naval aviation excellence.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), known as the "Vampires," was established in 1993 through the consolidation of the Naval Air Test Center Detachment (NATC Det) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4). Based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, VX-9’s mission is to conduct operational test and evaluation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tactical aircraft and weapons systems. The squadron has played a critical role in testing and validating the performance of platforms such as the F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. Through its rigorous evaluation processes, VX-9 ensures that new aircraft and weapons meet the demanding requirements of modern naval aviation.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26), known as the "Chargers," was established in 1967 as Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SIX (HC-6) before being redesignated as HSC-26 in 2005. The squadron is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and operates the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. HSC-26 specializes in a wide range of missions including search and rescue (SAR), logistics support, anti-surface warfare, and humanitarian assistance. The Chargers have deployed extensively to support operations in the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets, regularly providing vital rotary-wing support aboard deployed naval vessels and at expeditionary shore bases.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), also known as the "Blackhawks," was established in 1987. The squadron specializes in airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and vertical onboard delivery using the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. HM-15 has participated in numerous operations worldwide, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing crucial support in clearing naval mines and ensuring safe passage for allied vessels. The unit is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and remains a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s mine warfare and logistics missions.