NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Aircrew Systems (PMA-202) received a new commander Jan. 16.

Capt. Roger W. Ligon assumed command from acting program manager Cmdr. Ralph Lee, who is now serving as the AIR 1.0 Chief of Staff.

“I’m honored and excited to be taking the helm of this extraordinary organization of professionals,” said Ligon. ”I intend to focus on our mission, which is to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with affordable aircrew systems by developing, integrating, fielding and supporting aircrew safety, survivability and mission enhancement core capabilities…execution of this mission is our number one priority.”

The Aircrew Systems program office is responsible for developing and procuring systems that directly support Fleet aircrew and passengers in the performance of their missions. System types include: ejection and crash worthy seating, advanced oxygen systems, night vision systems, helmets and helmet mounted cueing systems, restraint systems, hearing and eye protection, protective clothing and survival gear, and the support equipment required to troubleshoot and maintain such equipment.

Ligon said PMA-202’s mission is critically important. He said Fleet warfighters confidently use and place their trust in the PMA’s products every day because of the technical competence and credibility of the people of the command.

Ligon is a Colorado native and a graduate of the University of Colorado. He was commissioned an Ensign in 1987 and subsequently entered Naval Flight Officer training at Pensacola, Fla.

His first fleet assignment was with the “World Famous Woodpeckers” of Patrol Squadron Forty-Nine (VP-49), located at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. He completed North Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, qualifying as tactical coordinator and patrol plane mission commander.

In 1992, he reported to Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30) as a flight instructor and, during this tour, he earned a Master of Science degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Florida. He reported aboard the USS Nimitz in 1995 as assistant air operations officer, deploying to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

After graduating from U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1997, he reported to Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron, Patuxent River, Md., where he conducted developmental test on the P-3C aircraft. Ligon’s next assignment was at Bureau of Personnel Sea Duty Component, Dallas, Texas.

In 2002, he returned to Patuxent River as P-3 Department Head at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two-Zero (VX-20) and later transferred to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290) as deputy program manager for P-3 Weapons and Anti-Surface Warfare Systems.

In 2005, he reported for duty as chief test pilot of VX-20 and subsequently assumed Command in 2006. Most Recently, Ligon served as the Deputy Program Manager for the Advanced Airborne Sensor program at the Advanced Sensor Technologies program office in Arlington Va.

Ligon has accumulated more than 2,900 flight hours. His personal awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, five Navy Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals.

Photo: “Capt. Roger Ligon, Program Manager, Aircrew Systems Program Office, PMA-202.”