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Current Issue Links
New leader takes command of VX-31 China Lake
Cmdr. Brady Bartosh took the reigns of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 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,” said Bartosh.
He 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. He 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 accumulated 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.
He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and served as a test pilot and project officer with
the F-14 program, as well as the operations officer and flight instructor at the school.
His military decorations include three Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy
Achievement Medals. He 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,” said Dunaway. “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.”
The admiral 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 had worked with Holmberg in NAVAIR’s Precision Strike Weapons Program.
“I could always rely on him 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, served with VX-31 since March 2007 and assumed command in June 2008, will head to Florida
to serve as the commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency. As commanding officer, Holmberg
led a transition to an all-contractor work force, while winning the 2008 CNO’s Safety 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 this 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.”
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,” said Bartosh.
He 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. He 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 accumulated 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.
He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and served as a test pilot and project officer with
the F-14 program, as well as the operations officer and flight instructor at the school.
His military decorations include three Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy
Achievement Medals. He 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,” said Dunaway. “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.”
The admiral 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 had worked with Holmberg in NAVAIR’s Precision Strike Weapons Program.
“I could always rely on him 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, served with VX-31 since March 2007 and assumed command in June 2008, will head to Florida
to serve as the commander of the Defense Contract Management Agency. As commanding officer, Holmberg
led a transition to an all-contractor work force, while winning the 2008 CNO’s Safety 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 this 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.”
By Renee Hatcher,
NAWCWD Public Affairs
NAWCWD Public Affairs
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Cmdr. Brady Bartosh reads his orders as he assumes command of VX-31 from Capt. Eric Holmberg,
right, in China Lake’s Hangar 3 on Jan. 15. Looking on from left are Cmdr. Roger Vanderwerken,
Rear Adm. David Dunaway and Capt. Tim Morey. Photo by Mike McGinnis
right, in China Lake’s Hangar 3 on Jan. 15. Looking on from left are Cmdr. Roger Vanderwerken,
Rear Adm. David Dunaway and Capt. Tim Morey. Photo by Mike McGinnis