The Dust Devils of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 recently attended the Miramar Air Show to showcase the squadron’s newest jet, an F/A-18F Super Hornet.
The jet stood at the front of the static display line as an estimated 750,000 people attended the annual show. Lt. Cmdr. John “Clocktower” Young, Lt. Collier “Tweak” Crouch, and Lt. Chris “OSLO” Webster were in attendance all three days to talk to the public about VX-31 and the F-18’s characteristics and capabilities.
The display started on Oct. 12 and continued through the late afternoon on Oct. 14.
Throughout the time the aircraft was on display, the air show attendees were fascinated and continued to ask questions. The squadron’s aircrew were present to speak about not only the aircraft, but also about VX-31’s role as a weapons test squadron with airborne search and rescue capability, and were even able to conduct training with some of the airfield’s own fire fighters involving procedures to rescue the jet’s crew in case of an emergency.
In addition to VX-31’s exhibit, the air show featured aircraft from both military and civilian sectors. The Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team was on hand and performed at the end of each day. The Marine Corps showed their unique abilities with a full mock beach landing including air support from various aircraft and Marines themselves conducting large scale exercises on the airfield. The Air Force also made an appearance with an aerial demonstration with its next generation fighter, the F-22.
“The show was a resounding success on all fronts,” Webster said. “The public was granted a rare glimpse into the defense test and acquisition community and the air crew were granted the chance to interact with the public that supports our profession.”

NAVAIR press release