A BIT OF HISTORY: "...AIR TEST & EVALUATION SQUADRON ONE - HISTORY..." [12JUN2003]

The formidable threat posed by the German subsurface fleet during World War II mandated a new program to rapidly develop antisubmarine weapons and tactics. The response by the United States was the commissioning of the Air Antisubmarine Commander Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, on 1 April 1943. The detachment, stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, was charged with conducting tests to determine the practical effectiveness of standard equipment and developing tactics for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.

In order to consolidate ASW evaluation service of air and surface units, the Antisubmarine Development Detachment, comprised of both Air and Surface Divisions, was commissioned on 17 September 1943. By the end of the war, the Operational Development force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, was formed, to which ASDEVLANT reported for duty.

In 1946, the unit was recommissioned Antisubmarine Development Squadron One and was moved to Boca Chica Field, NAS Key West, Florida. The new squadron's mission was to test and evaluate ASW and related equipment, determine the practical value of such material, and develop and coordinate ASW tactics using optimally developed equipment. First among the squadron's important contributions to the fleet were the scanning sonar, surface radar, helicopter dipping sonar, and hunter/killer ASW tactics.

The 1950's generated new aircraft and significant improvements which were tested at VX-1. The P-2Y "Neptune", AD-1 "Skyraider", S-2 "Tracker", P-5M "Marlin", HRP-1 and other aircraft were evaluated. Additional project evaluations included the operational testing of sonobuoys, towed Magnetic Anomaly Detectors (MAD), improved sonar and radar equipment, and ASW mining techniques. Operational evaluations were extended to air photography, human factors in ASW, and target interpretation and recognition. br>
Since 1946, the squadron has undergone three name changes and one relocation. In October 1949, the name changed to Development Squadron One, and in February 1950 to Air Development Squadon One. On January 1, 1969, the present title of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One was adopted. The long association with NAS Key West ended on 15 September 1973 when the squadon changed homeports to its present location at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland.

Over the years, VX-1 and its evaluation crews have received numerous awards which include the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, 3 Meritorious Unit Commendations, 6 CNO Safety Awards, 11 Silver Anchors, and 7Golden Anchor Awards for retention,as well as a variety of additional citations and commendations.

Today the VX-1 Pioneers continue their support to maritime operations with operational testing and evaluation on the Navy's newest aircraft, the MH-60S, MH-60R, as well as continued evaluations on legacy aircraft like the, KC-130J, E-6, EP-3, P-3C, S-3B, SH-60B, and SH-60F. Gone are the days of sole ASW improvements; VX-1 is now also pushing the forefront of technology in the arena of tactical developments in SUW(surface warfare), AMCM (airborne mine countermeasure), logistic support, extended range surface/land attack, and electronic warfare. Just as it has done in the past, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One will continue to operationally test and evaluate the newest, most advanced technology for the finest naval fleet in the world.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The formidable threat posed by the German subsurface fleet during World War II mandated a new program to rapidly develop antisubmarine weapons and tactics. The response by the United States was the commissioning of the Air Antisubmarine Commander Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, on 1 April 1943. The detachment, stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, was charged with conducting tests to determine the practical effectiveness of standard equipment and developing tactics for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. In 1946, the unit was recommissioned Antisubmarine Development Squadron One and was moved to Boca Chica Field, NAS Key West, Florida. The new squadron's mission was to test and evaluate ASW and related equipment, determine the practical value of such material, and develop and coordinate ASW tactics using optimally developed equipment. First among the squadron's important contributions to the fleet were the scanning sonar, surface radar, helicopter dipping sonar, and hunter/killer ASW tactics. Since 1946, the squadron has undergone three name changes and one relocation. In October 1949, the name changed to Development Squadron One, and in February 1950 to Air Development Squadon One. On January 1, 1969, the present title of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One was adopted. The long association with NAS Key West ended on 15 September 1973 when the squadon changed homeports to its present location at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. ASW improvements have continued to the present day with the development of the P-3 "Orion", SH-2 "Sea Sprite", SH-60 "Sea Hawk", S-3 "Viking", and their numerous variants. Always at the forefront of modern technology, the "ASW Pioneers" of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One continue to test and evaluate the latest air antisubmarine systems and tactics for tomorrow's fleet ..." http://www.ncts.navy.mil/homepages/vx-1/hist.htm [Link Updated 07MAR99]

"VX-1 History Summary Page"

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