By Lt. Mike Randazzo, USNR, Air Systems Program Public Affairs Officer

PATUXENT RIVER, MD.--Lt. j.g. Thomas E. Williams, USNR, has been selected as the Air Systems Program's (ASP) Flag Aide. Williams’ duties will commence when Rear Adm. (Sel.) Richard J. Wallace, USNR, relieves Rear Adm. Mark M. Hazara, USNR, Director, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Programs, on June 26th 2004 at a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River here.

Williams will replace Lt. Cmdr. John E. Watson, who has held the position since 2001.

Williams, who currently resides in California, MD with his wife and three daughters, originally enlisted in the Navy in 1987. After completing Aviation Ordnanceman “A” School and Aircrew Candidate School, he served 13 years on active duty including assignments with Patrol Squadron 46, Naval Air Station Oceana, USS America (CV-66) Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, and USS Enterprise (CVN-65). During his active duty career, Lt. j.g. Williams advanced to Petty Officer First Class and earned both Naval Aircrew and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist wings.

Williams was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2000 and subsequently pursued a career in manufacturing. He affiliated with the Naval Reserve in 2001 as a Direct Commission Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer, and has since been assigned to several units that support the NAVAIR mission.

As a civilian, Williams is employed as a Naval Air Systems Command weapons integration test and evaluation engineer at Patuxent River. He earned a Batchelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics and a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

"Lt. j.g. Williams was selected for this position from an extremely well- qualified field of candidates,” said Wallace. “I fully expect his years of fleet seasoning and subsequent NAVAIR experience will prove invaluable, and am confident that he’s the right person for this extremely demanding and challenging job.

The rigorous selection process sought candidates who were particularly reliable, trustworthy, well organized, and goal-oriented.

Williams said that was very grateful for having the opportunity to apply his skills and knowledge to this unique NAVAIR Reserve mission. "The Navy has rewarded me with so many extraordinary experiences, I truly consider it an honor and a privilege to serve in this very special capacity," he added.

The Air Systems Program provides qualified and diverse civilian and military experience in operational support of NAVAIR research and development, engineering, program management, logistics, and industrial capability activities. The 650 Navy Reserve officer and enlisted men and women of the ASP train constantly to respond to evolving NAVAIR missions enabling the organization to harvest tangible cost reductions for fleet recapitalization. The ASP is comprised of 32 units that operate in 14 states.

For more information, contact Lt. Mike Randazzo via e-mail at [email protected].

PHOTO CAPTION: Lt. j.g. Thomas E. Williams, USNR, has been selected as the Air Systems Program's (ASP) Flag Aide. Williams’ duties will commence when Rear Adm. (Sel.) Richard J. Wallace, USNR, relieves Rear Adm. Mark M. Hazara, USNR, Director, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Systems Programs, on June 26th 2004 at a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River.