Each year the Department of War (DOW) recognizes exceptional acquisition professionals from the prior year. During the 2025 acquisition year, three Program Executive Office, Air, Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) teams and individuals were winners during the Feb. 18 ceremony held at the Pentagon.

In the congratulatory email from Mr. Jason Potter, who is preforming the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, and Acquisition, he congratulated all the winners for “Making Every Dollar Count”. He continued, “In acquisition, this is always essential but keeping the “fleet first” in your day-to-day work is what sets you apart from the others.”

Brig. Gen. David Walsh, PEO(A), recognized the achievements of the three program offices and their respective winners earlier this year in an all hands event.

“Being recognized by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, and Acquisition brings well-deserved visibility to our programs,” said Walsh. “Congratulations to our PEO(A) teams and individuals who have been recognized this year for the work they contribute day in and day out to our acquisition workforce and the fleet.”

The 2025 Acquisition Excellence Award Winners for PEO(A)

Acquisitional Professional of the Year – Engineering & Technical Management, Mr. Gregory Coulter

PMA-274 Presidential Helicopters Program

Mr. Gregory Coulter distinguished himself by demonstrating elite technical skill and exceptional leadership in DON acquisition while serving as the Lead Avionics Systems Engineer at Presidential Helicopters (PMA-274). He used innovative acquisition techniques and resourcefulness during the integration of new Starlink/Starshield proliferated low earth orbit SATCOM on the VH-92A Patriot Presidential Helicopter, enabling the rotary wing aircraft to become the very first in the world to fly with this game-changing technology. His disciplined risk reduction approach also resulted in VH-92A Starlink/Starshield system performance increases exceeding 366.25% over the objective requirement and 18550% over existing legacy SATCOM capability. Additionally, his decision to employ non-traditional small business commercial S-92 engineering and flight test set the conditions for Starlink/Starshield to be fielded in 12 months. Mr. Coulter is the top performing individual engineer in the DON; his superior engineering, management, and team-building skills have brought lasting benefits to the VH-92A program. 

“Greg has been a cornerstone of this program over the past two years, consistently producing excellence in engineering and technical management. His ability to deliver innovative and impactful solutions has been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and ensuring mission success. This prestigious and well-deserved recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional expertise, and the critical role he plays in advancing our "no-fail mission." Col. Erica Mantz, program manager, Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274)

Dr. Al Somoroff Acquisition Award

PMA-276 H-1 Light/Attack Helicopter Programs

PMA-276 accomplished outstanding academic achievement over the last year. PMA-276 dedicated themselves to achieving effective acquisition management practices, outstanding resource management, personnel development, and the ability to proactively deliver a solution for maintenance training to the fleet maintainers, which resulted in improved overall functionality and readiness to the fleet. By putting forth the effort to improve their processes.

“This is truly a special honor to the professionals who support our program across the Naval Aviation Enterprise. They show up every day looking to support our H-1 fleet in any way possible and this recognition highlights the hard work, dedication, and teamwork they put forth to produce results and outcomes that translate to fielded capability and flightline readiness at top tier levels,” Col. Jason Duke, program manager, Light/Attack Helicopters Program office (PMA-276).

Competition Excellence Acquisition Team of the Year, P-8 Depot Team

PMA-290 Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program

The P-8A Depot Team's leadership and strategic industrial base provided competitive focus while conducting simultaneous and separate Airframe and Engine open competition source selections to establish five-year P-8A airframe and engine depot level Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) requirements that culminated in the FY24 selection of four multiple award contracts. During each of the competitions, the team demonstrated a keen understanding of the United States commercial aviation industrial base, implementing a comprehensive competitive acquisition strategy that sought to leverage existing resources, maximize vendor participation, and optimize Navy fiscal and aircraft induction planning. The team ultimately saved 58.3 million dollars of critical Operation and Maintenance, Navy sustainment costs and strengthened the Defense Department's aviation MRO industrial base by enabling effective planning for and resourcing to consistent annual Navy requirements supporting improved learning curve, reduced cycle time, and increased availability.

“Our P-8A Depot Team is comprised of many talented Department of the Navy civilian experts who are dedicated to supporting warfighting capability, meticulously thorough and keenly focused on achieving the best value in depot level services for the P-8A Fleet,” said Capt. Erik Thomas, program manager, Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft program office (PMA-290). “During the airframe depot competition, this team demonstrated their professionalism and proficiency, resulting in more than $58 million savings to the program.  Having the team recognized at the Department of Navy level is a testament to their unrelenting work ethic and acquisition talent.”

About the Winning Program Offices

PEO(A) provides fleet capability and capacity, supporting development and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, special mission aircraft and aviation anti-submarine warfare equipment and aircraft.  PEO(A) comprises ten major program offices.  

PMA-274 expeditiously provides safe, ready, high-performing, and affordable aircraft, capabilities, and support to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).

PMA-276 manages the cradle to grave procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the Marine Corps rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance and fire support program systems.

PMA-290 manages the acquisition, development, support, and delivery of the Navy's Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft.