Four teams across three Air, Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission (PEO(A)) programs were awarded highest Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) honors during the annual NAVAIR Commanders Award ceremony held June 4. 

In a message to the NAVAIR community, Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, Commander, NAVAIR stated “Our award winners rose to the top from a remarkable pool of 129 exceptional nominees, all of whom demonstrated the mindset, behaviors and commitment that drive our mission forward—delivering the warfighting capability our fleet needs, at a cost we can afford.” 

Program Executive Office, Air Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) welcomed its new program executive officer, Brig. Gen. David Walsh, in a change of command ceremony on June 27. Gary Kurtz, the outgoing PEO(A) executive officer, retired from government service after 40 years with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

Two program executive officer air, anti-submarine warfare, and special mission program (PEO(A)) civilians were recognized in a 25 April ceremony for the annual Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) John Glenn Squadron Marine Aviation Acquisition Awards.  These prestigious awards recognize those individuals who have distinguished themselves as the best in Marine Aviation Acquisition during the award period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

A unique training opportunity for H-1, H-60, H-53, and V-22 aircrew members provided a rare opportunity for aircrews to regain aerial gunnery qualifications in a cost-efficient manner. The multi-program training was completed on July 11 at the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River firing tunnel, hosted by Air Vehicle Stores Compatibility (AVSC) H-1 Engineering Technician, Michael Hunt.  

Fleet Readiness Center East’s (FRCE) UH-1N Huey production line is swapping out diesel-powered ground power units (GPU) for a sustainable alternative with the recent purchase of battery-powered GPUs, becoming the first adapter of this technology within the Naval Aviation community.

According to Allen Broadway, FRCE’s UH-1N branch head, the battery-powered GPUs minimize energy consumption, increase efficiency and enhance workplace safety.

Program Executive Office Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO (A)) welcomed new leadership in a brief ceremony July 29 at the Pentagon.

Maj. Gen. Greg Masiello transferred leadership to Mr. Gary Kurtz with Mr. Tommy Ross, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Navy (ASN) research, development and acquisition (RDA) presiding over the event.

“I just want to say thank you for your leadership. Thank you for everything you've done for the Navy,” said Ross.

The Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) John Glenn Squadron presented excellence in aviation awards to six local Marines and four civilians during a ceremony June 2.

Awards, spanning five categories, highlighted achievements in product delivery, test and evaluation, and overall acquisition accomplishment.

The U.S. Marine Corps declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) on the AH-1Z Viper, March 1.

JAGM, a joint program with the Army, is a precision-guided missile that combines semi-active laser guidance and millimeter-wave radar. It is an air-to-surface precision-guided munition (PGM) used on joint rotary-wing, unmanned aircraft systems, and fixed-wing platforms to destroy high-value, stationary and moving, land and maritime targets.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) artisans recently completed work on the first UH-1N “Huey” helicopter to undergo service at the depot’s facility in Kinston’s North Carolina Global TransPark.

Fleet Readiness Center East hosted Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Greg Murphy for a June 2 visit to the depot’s H-1 Aircraft Rework Facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston.

FRCE Commanding Officer Col. Thomas A. Atkinson discussed with the legislators potential partnerships that could facilitate workload expansion opportunities both at FRCE’s Global TransPark facility and within the depot’s footprint at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.