Cmdr. Brady Bartosh took the reigns of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31 (VX-31) from Capt. Eric Holmberg during a change of command ceremony Jan. 15 at China Lake.

“VX-31 has a long-standing tradition of excellence,” Bartosh said. “I’d be remiss if I just said I was taking over a great squadron; my responsibility is to take it to the next level.”

Like Holmberg, Bartosh was the squadron’s chief test pilot prior to assuming command. Bartosh is now responsible for all aspects of testing of 15 type-model-series aircraft, five unmanned aircraft systems, multiple weapons systems, and more than 400 military, government and contractor personnel. VX-31 is NAVAIR’s operational test squadron dedicated to ensuring that Navy warfighters are equipped with capable and effective combat systems.

“My goal is pass the squadron on to the next leader in even better shape than it is now,” Bartosh said.

Bartosh was born in Houston, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University and a master’s degree in astronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. His was a junior officer with VF-211 at Naval Air Station Miramar, and a department head flying F-14A Tomcats with VF-154 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Bartosh has more than 2,600 flight hours in 52 different aircraft models, and more than 40 combat missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom, where as a forward air controller, he was responsible for the release of more than 50 precision-guided weapons.

Bartosh also graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) and served as a test pilot and project officer with the F-14 program. He also served two tours as the operations officer and flight instructor at USNTPS. His military decorations include an Air Medal (Specific Action w/ combat “V”), two Air Medals (Strike Flight), three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals. Bartosh and his wife, Christina, have two children.

Rear Adm. David Dunaway, commander of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force and former NAWCWD commander, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

“Change of command ceremonies bring together a lot of Navy traditions,” Dunaway said. “I think it’s that tradition that separates us from other services. It is the passing of the guard; it is the clarity to the troops. It’s also the opportunity for friends to get together and honor one outgoing and one incoming commander.”

Dunaway spoke about the importance of leadership, trust and how diverse groups come together to get things done.

“It’s really about our core values and our leaders who bring it all together and create a common purpose,” said Dunaway, who worked with Holmberg in NAVAIR’s Precision Strike Weapons Program (PMA-201).

“I could always rely on (Holmberg) to know what was going on,” Dunaway said. “He is always thoughtful in his decisions and always does the right thing but I think his strongest suit is his compassion. I think (Bartosh) has the same qualities and I know VX-31 will continue to do great things.”

Holmberg will head to Florida to serve as the commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency. He served with VX-31 since March 2007 and assumed command in June 2008. As commanding officer, Holmberg led a transition to an all-contractor work force, while winning the 2008 CNO’s Safety “S” Award. The squadron’s Search and Rescue unit was also recognized by the Chief of Naval Operations.

“It’s been an incredibly fast three years,” Holmberg said. “I love his place. The squadron’s mission can’t be beat. This squadron’s been on a roll in developing new capabilities and testing them for the fleet and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”

Source: Navair