Commander Martin Howard MBE

Chief Naval Test Advisor, Maritime Aviation - Test & Evaluation Royal Navy

Commander Martin Howard read for a BSc in Theoretical Physics at University College London prior to joining BRNC in September ‘05. He was awarded his Observer Wings in October ‘09 and subsequently joined 854 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) to operate the Sea King Mk 7 Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC). Whilst serving on 854 NAS he completed three tours on OP HERRICK, supported OP OLYMPICS and planned the squadron’s return from land-based operations to the maritime domain. He was selected for the Aerosystems Course and graduated in August 13 with an MSc with Distinction in Aerospace Systems. Three years working as a Trials Officer within the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre at MoD Boscombe Down followed. He was the lead Trials Officer for the CROWSNEST project and led the operational flight test of Lockheed Martin’s proposal. Alongside this, he was involved in/led numerous flight trials evaluating software and hardware modifications to the SKASaC. Howard returned to RNAS Culdrose in April 16, to complete an abridged Merlin Mk2 conversion at 824 NAS. Thereafter, joining the CROWSNEST Combined Test Team to lead the Merlin Helicopter Force contingent. He participated in a range of rig, ground and flight test activities for the aircraft, training system and ground preparation facility which ultimately culminated in its initial Release To Service. In July ‘21, Howard assumed Command of 700X NAS and was responsible for training, developing, and operating the Royal Navy’s Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). He delivered large scale UAS trials and experimentation activities, most notably Heavy Lift Challenge, Advanced Autonomous Force and flights of the Banshee Jet 80+ from HMS Prince of Wales. Alongside a range of other ‘in service’ UAS trials, he was responsible for training over 250 remote pilots and generating PUMA flights for operational tasking / exercises embarked and ashore around the world. Howard was awarded an MBE for the organisational and culture change he led. On promotion to Commander in July 23, Howard moved into the Carrier Strike & Maritime Aviation team in the Develop Directorate in Navy Command. Initially working as a Maritime UAS Programme Manager then most recently as the Chief Naval Test Advisor where he has responsibility for overseeing all aviation trials in the Royal Navy. Married with two young children (12 and 10), free time is at a premium; however, hobbies include kayaking and walking. He has a keen interest in technology. He has completed a BSc in Computing and IT with the Open University and an MSc in Cyber Defence and Information Assurance at Cranfield University. He supports a range of Defence Digital activities associated with coding and machine learning.