NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The program manager for the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Office (PMA-272) here was recently presented with the National Defense Industrial Association RADM Robert H. Gormley Combat Survivability Award for Leadership.

Capt. Paul J. Overstreet was given the honor in recognition of his keen leadership in a multitude of combat survivability areas for both fixed and rotary wing platforms, said Bob Palazzo, NDIA Combat Survivability Division awards committee chairman.

Overstreet said he was honored to accept the award on behalf of the entire PMA-272 team, and the award is extremely meaningful to him as it is a reflection of the work done by the entire PMA-272 team in support of our aircrews involved in combat operations.

Aircraft Survivability Equipment has taken on an increasingly important role as a result of a marked increase in aircraft losses and personnel fatalities during Operations in Iraqi and Afghanistan, said Palazzo. Overstreet and the PMA-272 team have addressed this situation by enhancing the warfighter capability and survivability of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.

U.S. aircrews in both Iraq and Afghanistan are facing a constant threat of ground fire engagements, and Overstreet said the highlight of his acquisition career is to be able to affect the survivability of these platforms through the rapid development of IR Countermeasure systems, improved expendables and reliable missile warning systems. According to Overstreet, each of these accomplishments could not have been achieved without the hard work of the platform PMA’s, our requirements officers, the test communities and the support of PEO(T).

The Gormley award is named after the Rear. Adm. Robert H. Gormley, Combat Survivability Division founder and former chairman. It is presented annually to a person who has made major contributions to enhancing combat survivability.

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