Photos

260429-O-SI336-3203

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Juliette Ruff, a Naval Aerospace/Operational Physiologist and Aeromedical Safety Officer for Naval Test Wing Atlantic, monitors an evaluation session as Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 1st Class David Gilbert, assigned to Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) "Warlocks," is assessed for custom hearing protection. The scanning effort is part of an initiative to outfit aircrew and aircraft maintainers with custom-fit hearing protection by mapping individual ear canals and external ears to move beyond standard-issue solutions. Hearing protection will include solid shell ear protection as an alternative to foam plugs, or devices that integrate with Communication Hearing Protection Devices (CHPD) for use with aircraft communication systems and aviation helmets. As the Aeromedical Safety Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Ruff oversees human systems integration and aeromedical support across five developmental test squadrons to enhance risk management and mishap prevention for the Fleet.