NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. –The Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office (PMA-263) welcomed a new program manager during a change-of-command ceremony here April 27.

Capt. JR Brown, who will retire from the U.S. Navy with 28 years of distinguished service, handed the reigns of command to Col. Jim Rector.

“We have seen such tremendous growth in unmanned aviation and PMA-263 has been on the forefront of that growth,” said Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “The PMA’s growth would not have happened without a strong leader and a great team behind him.”

Brown assumed command of PMA-263 in 2008. He led a group of government and contractor personnel who are collectively responsible for the total life cycle management of ten different types of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), supporting worldwide combat and training operations for all the services.

During his tenure as program manager, Brown oversaw the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Services contract, which has provided more than 150,000 flight hours in theater.

“The PMA-263 team showed us all a whole new level of warfighter first,” Brown said. “They commit and deliver so that our forces can deliver sustainable highly effective combat power every day.”

Under Brown’s leadership, the team awarded the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System contract and recently completed operational assessment.

Brown added, “The Marine Corps has provided a highly respected officer with impeccable credentials and a talent for getting to the heart of the matter quickly. Col. Rector is a perfect fit for this quickly evolving field.”

Rector comes to PMA-263 after serving in the V-22 program office (PMA-274). He previously served as F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team(IPT)lead and aircraft inventory manager.

The East Carolina University graduate was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1988. After completing The Basic School, he was designated as a naval aviator. Rector established a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) IPT which was responsible for the first CH-46, CH-53 and KC-163 flight simulators for Okinawa, Japan.

After reading his orders, Rector thanked those who stood beside him throughout his career.

“I learned long ago that success depends on many things and none more important than the people of an organization,” said Rector. “I’ve had the benefit and pleasure of working with great people throughout my career that have led me here.”

Rector takes command of managing the life cycle of more than 3,000 air vehicles, a total operating authority of $3.6 billion and leading more than 200 personnel.

PMA-263 is the Navy’s original UAS program office and initiated the Navy’s unmanned efforts several decades ago.