U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
03/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2026 13:52
Commander Levine Passes the Torch for the Navy’s Airborne Scientific Development Squadron
NEWS | March 30, 2026
Commander Levine Passes the Torch for the Navy's Airborne Scientific Development Squadron
By Emily Winget, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Cmdr. Luis A. Levine relinquished command of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1, the Warlocks, to Cmdr. Andrew R. Vawter, the new Commanding Officer (CO), during a change of command ceremony Mar. 27 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland.
Levine, a Stafford, Virginia native and 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, concludes a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. He became the 17th Commanding Officer of VXS-1 in November 2024.
Under Levine's command, the Warlocks executed more than 350 missions and 1,300 flight hours, all while maintaining a perfect record of zero aviation mishaps. They successfully executed and supported 12 critical projects that provided Fleet support, reinforced federal partnerships, and scientific development.
NRL Commanding Officer, Capt. Randy Cruz, presided over the ceremony. Cruz spoke of Levine's many accolades and his commitment to his squadron, the Fleet, and the U.S. Navy's mission.
"Cmdr. Levine, your leadership has left a lasting impression on all who have served with you," Cruz said. "You have earned the respect of many through your professionalism and dedication. You set the example all while raising the bar of performance for all."
During the ceremony, Levine was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished leadership of 75 officers, enlisted personnel, and government civilians, which was instrumental to the Squadron's continued record of superlative support to NRL's airborne science and technology development mission.
Levine left the Warlocks with a few last words of mentorship and inspiration.
"Two words: Servant Leadership, centered on trust and teamwork. Focus on your people, measure your success not by the wins and losses, but by the growth and accomplishments made by those under your charge because you helped them get there. That's teamwork."
Vawter, the squadron's 18th commanding officer, assumes command after serving as the Executive Officer of VXS-1 since November 2024. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Vawter graduated from the University of Memphis in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in the P-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, and the UV-18 Twin Otter. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Vawter praised his predecessor for his mentorship and leadership, and spoke to the men and women of VXS-1.
"I have had a great time as your XO and am incredibly humbled and proud for this opportunity to be your Skipper. You all continue to impress me daily with your drive and commitment to the mission and to the maintenance and support the very last active-duty maintained P-3s in the Fleet."
He continued to look to the future of the Warlocks.
"We will continue to be the premier squadron to execute the science and technology mission on behalf of NRL, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of War."
In a surprise turn of events, the command took time to recognize other outstanding achievements of Warlock personnel:
About the Scientific Development Squadron
VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals. Supporting broadly based, multidisciplinary programs across the full spectrum of scientific research and applied technologies, our focus is toward the maritime application of new and improved airborne data collection techniques, experimental equipment, and system demonstration. While directly supporting scientific programs across the globe, we ensure that our work environment provides for the learning, personal growth, and respect of all our men and women and their families.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California.
NRL offers several mechanisms for collaborating with the broader scientific community, within and outside of the Federal government. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), LP-CRADAs, Educational Partnership Agreements, agreements under the authority of 10 USC 4892, licensing agreements, FAR contracts, and other applicable agreements.
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at [email protected].
Levine, a Stafford, Virginia native and 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, concludes a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. He became the 17th Commanding Officer of VXS-1 in November 2024.
Under Levine's command, the Warlocks executed more than 350 missions and 1,300 flight hours, all while maintaining a perfect record of zero aviation mishaps. They successfully executed and supported 12 critical projects that provided Fleet support, reinforced federal partnerships, and scientific development.
NRL Commanding Officer, Capt. Randy Cruz, presided over the ceremony. Cruz spoke of Levine's many accolades and his commitment to his squadron, the Fleet, and the U.S. Navy's mission.
"Cmdr. Levine, your leadership has left a lasting impression on all who have served with you," Cruz said. "You have earned the respect of many through your professionalism and dedication. You set the example all while raising the bar of performance for all."
During the ceremony, Levine was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished leadership of 75 officers, enlisted personnel, and government civilians, which was instrumental to the Squadron's continued record of superlative support to NRL's airborne science and technology development mission.
Levine left the Warlocks with a few last words of mentorship and inspiration.
"Two words: Servant Leadership, centered on trust and teamwork. Focus on your people, measure your success not by the wins and losses, but by the growth and accomplishments made by those under your charge because you helped them get there. That's teamwork."
Vawter, the squadron's 18th commanding officer, assumes command after serving as the Executive Officer of VXS-1 since November 2024. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Vawter graduated from the University of Memphis in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in the P-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, and the UV-18 Twin Otter. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Vawter praised his predecessor for his mentorship and leadership, and spoke to the men and women of VXS-1.
"I have had a great time as your XO and am incredibly humbled and proud for this opportunity to be your Skipper. You all continue to impress me daily with your drive and commitment to the mission and to the maintenance and support the very last active-duty maintained P-3s in the Fleet."
He continued to look to the future of the Warlocks.
"We will continue to be the premier squadron to execute the science and technology mission on behalf of NRL, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of War."
In a surprise turn of events, the command took time to recognize other outstanding achievements of Warlock personnel:
- Ms. Melinda S. Braschler - The Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal
- Mr. Stephen C. Rorke - The Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal
- Mr. Joseph A. Henry - The Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal
- Mr. Arden D. Gardner - The Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal
- Mr. John M. Weaver - The Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal
About the Scientific Development Squadron
VXS-1 conducts airborne scientific experimentation and advanced technology development in worldwide operations supporting U.S. Navy and national science and technology (S&T) priorities and war fighting goals. Supporting broadly based, multidisciplinary programs across the full spectrum of scientific research and applied technologies, our focus is toward the maritime application of new and improved airborne data collection techniques, experimental equipment, and system demonstration. While directly supporting scientific programs across the globe, we ensure that our work environment provides for the learning, personal growth, and respect of all our men and women and their families.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL, located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California.
NRL offers several mechanisms for collaborating with the broader scientific community, within and outside of the Federal government. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), LP-CRADAs, Educational Partnership Agreements, agreements under the authority of 10 USC 4892, licensing agreements, FAR contracts, and other applicable agreements.
For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at [email protected].
###
SHARE
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory published this content on March 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 30, 2026 at 19:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]