PATUXENT RIVER, Md.— Jim Dabney, the mission control system integrated product team lead for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program, received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award Feb. 17 at a ceremony at the program’s critical design review in Bethpage, N.Y.

Dabney‘s team contributed to the development of display and control functions for multiple sensors, aircraft avionics and mission control systems. Under his leadership, the team made improvements to system payload management and mission and collection planning. His team also coordinated and collaborated with the U.S. Air Force Global Hawk program office to identify opportunities for synergy between the Navy and Air Force programs.

“Jim’s unmatched dedication is what has helped him excel in all aspects as a leader in one of the most complex and challenging positions of the BAMS UAS program,” said Capt. Bob Dishman, program manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PMA-262). “His superb engineering contributions to our program will have long lasting effects on our systems’ ability to support the evolving needs of our sailors and Marines.”

In addition to being recognized for his work on the BAMS program, Dabney had a celebrated military career in the U.S. Army. For his service in Vietnam, among other awards, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medals.

“Jim’s devotion and commitment to our country is unparalleled,” said Dishman. “He is a true patriot. It’s his combat-tested legacy of leadership and tenacity that has driven dedication within the program to delivering capability to the warfighters. I wish Jim all the best in his future endeavors.”

Dabney has served as the mission control systems integrated product team lead since July 2006, and he will be retiring from civil service next month.