Grafton native named commander of Navy research lab

Grafton native Ian Lilyquist became commander of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 on Nov. 6 during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

As head of VXS-1, Lilyquist will be in charge of airborne science and technology support.

“I am deeply humbled, honored and excited to lead this incredible squadron as its 14th commanding officer,” Lilyquist said in a statement.

“Our mission is more important now than ever. As the Navy and Department of Defense modernize and take advantage of the rapid advances in technology that we see today, VXS-1 provides the ability to test and field new systems at the speed of relevance.”

Lilyquist graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 with a bachelor of science degree in ocean engineering. He received his master’s degrees in ocean engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

His squadron operates and maintains two modified NP-3C Orion, a RC-12 Huron, a UV-18 Twin Otter aircraft and numerous Tiger Shark Unmanned Aircraft Systems used as airborne research platforms.

VXS-1’s aircraft operate worldwide on extended detachments and annually log more than 400 flight hours. These aircraft are the only airborne platforms for projects such as bathymetry, electronic countermeasures, gravity mapping and radar development research.

 The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is a scientific and engineering command that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, from the seafloor to space.         

The research lab is located in Washington, D.C., with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Miss.; Key West, Fla.; Monterey, Calif. NRL employs approximately 2,500 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.