Class 165 of the United States Naval Test Pilot School Takes Flight

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – In an impressive ceremony, the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) celebrated the graduation of Class 165 on December 13. Thirty-one dedicated individuals completed the demanding 11-month course, earning their designations as Engineering Test Pilots, Engineering Test Flight Officers, and Test Project Engineers.

The event featured keynote speeches from notable figures in the aerospace community. NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, both esteemed retired U.S. Navy captains, contributed their thoughts in a recorded message from the International Space Station (ISS). Joining them virtually was U.S. Space Force Col. Nick Hague, while Commodore Chris Smallhorn of the Royal Australian Navy brought additional insights.

Sunita Williams, an alumna of USNTPS Class 104, holds the remarkable achievement of spending over 510 days in space. Barry Wilmore, part of Class 102, has also achieved significant milestones with over 370 days in space. Their ongoing mission since June 2024 sees them working on the ISS, with a scheduled return in 2025 aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

The event, held at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in Lexington Park, Maryland, hosted graduates from diverse international and military backgrounds, including representatives from the Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Army, among others. Capt. Elizabeth Somerville and Cmdr. Travis Hartman were present to confer diplomas and accolades on the graduates.

During the ceremony, several awards were presented to outstanding students. Army Capt. Kenneth Dailey was honored with the Empire Test Pilots School’s Developmental Testing Thesis Award, showcasing transatlantic academic partnership. Additionally, Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Daniel received recognition for his exemplary performance with the Captain Willie McCool Outstanding Student Award.

In leadership, Army Lt. Col. Mark Salvati earned the Syd Sherby Leadership Award, reflecting his outstanding contributions. The batch of Class 165 included nineteen graduates as engineering test pilots, seven as engineering test flight officers, and five as test project engineers—demonstrating a wide array of technical expertise.

USNTPS, under Naval Test Wing Atlantic, part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) in Patuxent River, Maryland, dedicates itself to training skilled pilots and engineers. NAWCAD continues to drive forward the capabilities and readiness of naval aviation.