Oct 19, 2012
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Building on his 20 years of test and operational experience in the fleet, Cmdr. Kevin “Q” Quarderer is embarking on a new challenge in the weapons acquisition community.
Quarderer, who joined the Precision Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-201) in February as the Harpoon/Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) deputy program manager, said his primary objective is to ensure the Harpoon and SLAM-ER weapon systems continue to meet the needs of the U.S. fleet and coalition partners through test and continued development.
As a former test pilot and commanding officer, Quarderer contributed to the development of and employment of numerous Navy weapons. He was responsible for precision weapons upgrades for the S-3B Viking , including the integration of the AGM-84H/K SLAM ER air-launch capability, and was recognized as the Pacific Naval Flight Officer NFO of year for tactical development.
“The time I spent in the fleet was irreplaceable,” Quarderer said. “Now, I have committed the remainder of my naval career to NAVAIR because I believe I can make significant contributions to the warfighter through successful weapons procurement.”
Although the missions are defined differently, Quarderer said he recognizes a number of similarities between directly supporting the fleet, commanding a training squadron and managing the acquisition process. Like PMA-201, training squadrons are run like a business, with operational and budgetary requirements taken into account on a daily basis. The only difference being the product delivered, he said.
Quarderer is focused on staying connected to the fleet. He said it ensures users have the opportunity to provide invaluable information on the performance of the Harpoon and SLAM-ER from an operational and test viewpoint. He and his team attend user forums, live-fire tests and meet with leadership at weapons schools to understand the requirements of the warfighters and coalition partners.
“Our engagement with the fleet ensures users have the opportunity to provide valuable information on the performance of the Harpoon and SLAM-ER from an operational and test viewpoint,” he said.
“As the Harpoon and SLAM-ER DPM, I strive to make sure my team understands the big picture,” Quarderer said. “Delivering the right product to the warfighter in a timely manner requires understanding what they need from a fleet perspective.”
A decorated officer, Quarderer’s leadership experience also plays a vital role in his ability to successfully lead the Harpoon/SLAM-ER team.
“Cmdr. Quarderer’s leadership and relevant fleet experience combined with his acquisition knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the PMA-201 team” said Capt. Carl Chebi, PMA-201 program manager. “He and his team are doing a phenomenal job of supporting the warfighter through the delivery of critical capabilities to the fleet.”
PEO(U&W) Public Affairs
(301) 757-9703
