PATUXENT RIVER, Md., July 3, 2025 — Capt. Daniel Kitts assumed command of Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) from Capt. Elizabeth Somerville during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on July 2. Rear Adm. Todd Evans, commander of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), presided over the event, commending Somerville’s 26 years of service and welcoming Kitts as her successor. Somerville retired from naval service following her tenure as NTWL commodore since August 2022.
“Capt. Somerville’s leadership at Naval Test Wing Atlantic is a consequential capstone to 26 years of honorable service,” said Evans. “Naval aviation is more dominant and capable thanks to her efforts – and Capt. Kitts will advance that legacy.” Kitts, a Silver Spring, Maryland native, brings over 20 years of experience as a naval aviator, with a background that includes graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. “It is incredibly humbling and an honor to take the reins of Naval Test Wing Atlantic from Capt. Somerville,” said Kitts. “Her leadership has made a lasting impact on the wing and her legacy will live on.”
NTWL, a component of NAWCAD, oversees testing and evaluation for all Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, including unmanned, rotary-wing, and fixed-wing systems. With facilities in Patuxent River; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD supports the development and operational readiness of naval aviation systems. Somerville led NTWL, the Navy’s largest developmental air wing, through critical testing phases for advanced aircraft, ensuring mission readiness for warfighters.
Somerville, a Massachusetts native, retires with 25 years of operational and developmental aviation experience. An EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler naval flight officer, she deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She led the EA-18G Growler’s maiden deployment aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141. Her career also included commanding Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX) 31 and 23, dedicated to weapons and tactical aircraft testing, and various acquisition roles at Naval Air Systems Command. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Air Force Institute of Technology, respectively. “It has been a tremendous honor to have had the privilege of serving as your Commodore,” said Somerville. “From east coast to west, you all represent the absolute finest in the profession of developmental flight test – you are all true experts in what you do.”
Kitts steps into the role with extensive qualifications, having served as the F-35C requirements officer on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff, chief test pilot, and commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. He also led the System of Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Integration team at the Navy’s Mission Integration and Special Programs Office (PMA-298). “As I take command of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, our mission is unchanged: we relentlessly champion our warfighters’ needs by delivering premier, innovative test, evaluation, and experimentation expertise,” said Kitts.
The ceremony highlighted the Navy’s commitment to advancing aviation capabilities through rigorous testing and evaluation. NTWL’s work ensures that aircraft meet operational demands, from carrier-based fighters to unmanned systems. Somerville’s leadership oversaw advancements in testing protocols, enhancing the reliability and performance of naval aviation assets. Her retirement marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned combat deployments, developmental testing, and strategic acquisition roles.
NAWCAD, headquartered at Patuxent River, plays a pivotal role in naval aviation by integrating cutting-edge technology into operational systems. The command’s facilities support a range of testing environments, from simulated combat scenarios to real-world flight evaluations. Kitts’ appointment signals a continuation of this mission, with a focus on innovation and warfighter support. His prior roles in test squadrons and program management equip him to lead NTWL through upcoming challenges, including the integration of next-generation aircraft and systems.
The change of command comes at a time when naval aviation faces evolving global demands, requiring advanced testing to maintain technological superiority. NTWL’s efforts directly impact the Navy’s ability to deploy capable and reliable aircraft. Kitts’ leadership will guide the wing in sustaining its reputation for excellence in developmental flight testing, building on Somerville’s legacy of professionalism and expertise.
For more information on NAWCAD and NTWL’s mission, visit the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division website. The ceremony underscored the Navy’s tradition of seamless leadership transitions to ensure mission continuity and operational readiness.
