Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. – Cmdr. Jessica Barrientos relieved Cmdr. Charles Larwood as the commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Oct. 3.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the commanding officer of this outstanding squadron,” said Larwood. “VX-20 plays a critical role in the advancement of naval aviation, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you to each member of this squadron for your dedication and hard work—your commitment has made this experience truly unforgettable.”
Larwood, a native of Roswell, Georgia, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004 with a degree in quantitative economics and later earned a master’s in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has extensive experience as a P-8A pilot, serving in key roles including commanding officer of Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 and operations officer of VP-8, as well as various positions during his P-3C operational tour. His shore assignments include serving as the government flight test director for P-8A and test pilot at VX-20, where he contributed to numerous testing projects. With more than 3,000 flight hours in more than 25 aircraft types, Larwood has received multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal. Following today’s change of command, Larwood will be retiring from the U.S. Navy.
“VX-20 tests emerging technologies that not only enhance our capabilities but also strengthen our national defense,” said Barrientos. “After more than six years of supporting VX-20, I am honored to take the helm and lead such a dedicated team. Together, we will continue to uphold our commitment to excellence, fostering innovation and teamwork as we serve our mission and support our nation. I look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to build on the strong legacy of this squadron.”
Barrientos assumes command after serving as VX-20’s chief test pilot. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she is a U.S. Naval Academy alumna. After earning her naval flight officer wings in 2007, she completed two Western Pacific deployments with Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 113, known as “Black Eagles,” in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a Class 140 graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, she played a key role in testing E-2 and C-2 aircraft, ultimately leading the E-2/C-2 Integrated Test Team. Her operational experience includes supporting the first deployment of the E-2D aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and serving in various leadership roles, reflecting her commitment to enhancing naval capabilities.
VX-20 is responsible for active flight testing and evaluation in all phases of the weapons system life cycle, including aircraft carrier suitability testing, navigation, aerial refueling, strategic airborne communications, airborne surveillance and intelligence collection, airborne early warning systems, carrier onboard delivery, and advanced training aircraft missions.
VX-20 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). With facilities in Patuxent River, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida, NAWCAD advances capability and operational readiness for naval aviation.
For more information about NAWCAD, visit www.navair.navy.mil or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MyNAWCAD/.