Captain David M. Halpern *Pending Final Confirmation*

Captain David M. Halpern is a native of Middletown, New York, and a 2000 graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School, Class 134.

Designated a Naval Flight Officer in 2002, Halpern has led EW operations across multiple combat theaters, including command of VAQ-133 aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 75) in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel and in the South China Sea. His earlier tours with VAQ-131 and VAQ-142 included deployments to Bagram, Afghanistan, and the Western Pacific, where he executed electromagnetic attack and joint air-dominance missions.

Halpern’s shore assignments strengthened his influence on future air dominance. As Chief Operational Test Director at VX-9, he directed operational test for next-generation EW systems and advanced strike-fighter capabilities. Later, as Deputy Program Manager for PMA-230 (F/A-XX), he led design-maturation efforts and placed $1.9B under contract to shape the Navy’s future air-dominance platform using multi-level security digital engineering.

In July 2023, he assumed command of Naval Test Wing Pacific, where he now leads the Navy’s most complex aviation test enterprise. He serves as the director for Gray Flag, DoD’s premier large-force kill-chain wholeness and EW integration event, and is a test and training champion for Open Air Battle Shaping, advancing Live-Virtual-Constructive effects across joint and coalition partners.

Captain Halpern has more than 2,900 flight hours, 400 arrested landings, and multiple personal awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal (four awards).