Naval Air Station Patuxent River welcomed a new leader for the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 as Lt. Col. Aaron Okun took command from Cmdr. Nicholas Green during a ceremony on February 13. The transition was overseen by Naval Test Wing Atlantic Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville, who praised the squadron’s contributions to naval aviation and the development of advanced rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft.
Somerville emphasized the squadron’s role in shaping the future of naval aviation by ensuring that aircraft meet the highest operational standards. She expressed confidence in Okun’s ability to continue the squadron’s mission and acknowledged Green’s leadership during his tenure.
Okun assumes command after serving as HX-21’s Chief Test Pilot. He brings years of experience in flight testing, operational evaluation, and aviation development. Green, who led the squadron since June 2023, will transition to the V-22 Joint Program Office as an Integrated Product Team Lead.
A 2007 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Okun holds a degree in aerospace engineering and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. His aviation career includes assignments with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 21 Raging Bulls, where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, where he contributed to testing the V-22 Osprey. After completing training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2017, he joined HX-21, where he played a key role in projects related to aerial refueling and fatigue testing.
Okun expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the squadron and acknowledged the dedication of its personnel. He emphasized his commitment to continuing HX-21’s mission of advancing capabilities for naval aviation.
Green, a native of Virginia Beach and a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, built an extensive career as an H-60 Seahawk pilot, accumulating more than 2,300 flight hours across 27 different aircraft. During his time at HX-21, he led the developmental testing of the Navy’s MH-60R/S Seahawk variants, managed foreign military sales programs, and oversaw mission system upgrades. He also served as chief engineer for the Navy’s H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters Program.
Reflecting on his time at HX-21, Green praised the squadron’s professionalism and dedication to excellence. He expressed confidence in Okun’s leadership and the squadron’s continued success in supporting naval aviation.
HX-21, known as the Blackjacks, is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, which operates under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The squadron is responsible for the developmental flight testing and evaluation of rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Located at NAS Patuxent River since 1949, HX-21 conducts testing for multiple aircraft platforms, including the CH-53E/K heavy-lift helicopters, C/MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors, H-1Y/Z attack and utility helicopters, MH-60R/S Seahawk variants, and the Presidential Helicopter fleet. With additional facilities in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division continues to advance naval aviation capabilities and operational readiness.
Okun’s leadership comes as HX-21 continues to play a critical role in developing and refining the next generation of rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that Navy and Marine Corps aircraft are prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.
