Air Combat Electronics Program Office
The Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209) delivers current and future, common and protected, foundational capabilities and standards that ensure naval aviation forces win in combat.
PMA-209 is Naval Air Systems Command's executive agent for the development and management of cutting-edge air combat electronics systems. Established in 1988, PMA-209 is responsible for providing critical capabilities to the warfighter in the form of common, fully developed, supportable and reliable systems that align with the strategic and operational requirements of our platform program executive offices and program office customers. By delivering the highest quality products and services on time and within budget, PMA-209 has built a solid reputation for superior quality as well as sound business practices.
Implementing state-of-the-art technology solutions across the Naval Aviation Enterprise, PMA-209 meets the goal of supporting “Tomorrow’s Capabilities within Today’s Budget.”
Capt. Rob Smith, U.S. Navy
Program Manager, Air Combat Electronics Program Office
Capt. Rob Smith, is a native of Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003, earning earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Following commissioning, Smith attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering before proceeding to flight training. After receiving his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) wings in 2005 and completing P-3C Fleet Replacement Squadron training with Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, he joined Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, serving as a P-3C Mission Commander and NFO NATOPS Officer. During this tour, he detached to Southern Command and deployed with 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Smith’s subsequent assignments included service with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 as the P-8A Assistant Operational Test Director and P-3C Operational Test Director, followed by selection to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Class 143. Upon graduating from USNTPS, he joined Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 as Deputy Platform Coordinator and Lead Mission Systems Project Officer for the P-8A Program, earning the 2014 Naval Test Wing Atlantic NFO of the Year award.
Selected as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) in 2015, Smith reported to the Persistent Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262) as the MQ-4C Triton IFC-3 Integrated Product Team Lead. His additional acquisition tours include service with the Maritime Patrol & Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) as P-8A Poseidon Increment III IPTL, the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA-268) as Engineering Class Desk for the MQ-25 Stingray and Unmanned Mission Control Station Programs, and the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264) as Military Director for sonobuoy programs.
His previous assignment was as the Executive Assistant to the Principal Military Deputy for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
Smith has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in more than 20 aircraft types. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Medals (Strike/Flight), three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
In May 2026, Smith assumed command of the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209) as Program Manager.
Location
47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547
United States