MBA alum tapped to command US Naval Test Pilot School

  • August 2, 2024
  • By WashU Olin Business School
  • 1 minute read
Man speaking in front of a large US flag
Cdr. Travis Hartman speaks during the change-of-command ceremony at the Naval Test Pilot School.

US Naval Commander Travis Hartman, MBA 2007, is the new commander of the US Naval Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

Travis Hartman
Hartman

Hartman took command from Lt. Col. Aaron Kia on June 27 in an in-flight change-of-command ceremony, with Hartman flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet and Kia in a C-12 Huron.

Speaking to the staff of the test pilot school, Hartman praised them for “excelling in this ruthlessly demanding space for decades, adapting as the world and the threats have changed.”

 

I am honored to be counted as one of you and commit that I will daily continue to ‘embrace the orange’ and earn my place in your much-respected company.  

Cdr. Travis Hartman

Prior to this command, Hartman served as the test pilot school’s executive officer for two years. In addition to his Olin MBA, he is a 2005 graduate of the US Naval Academy. He is from Springfield, Missouri.

The US Naval Test Pilot School trains developmental test pilots, flight officers, engineers, industry and foreign partners in full-spectrum testing and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems.

US Navy photos by Erik Hildebrandt

An ‘in-flight’ ceremony

Cdr. Travis Hartman and Lt. Col. Aaron Kia flew planes as part of the change-of-command at the US Naval Test Pilot School.

Planes flying above a hangar bearing the words 'United States Naval Test Pilot School'
Kia’s plane leads an F/A-18 Super Hornet piloted by Hartman in flight over the school’s hangar.
two planes taxiing on a runway
Hartman’s plane returns to the hangar ahead of Kia’s plane, signifying the transfer of authority.
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WashU Olin Business School

WashU Olin Business School

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