NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Capt. Fred Hepler relieved Capt. Mike Belcher and became the new program manager for Aviation Support Equipment, PMA-260, following a change of command and retirement ceremony today in the atrium of the Rear. Adm. William A. Moffett building here.

Belcher retires from the U.S. Navy after 32 years of service.

“PMA-260 is clearly the number one resource of choice for support equipment solutions needed in aviation so our nation can continue to put combat ready aircraft in the air, anytime, anywhere, in support of the war fighters who protect our loved ones at home,” said Hepler. “We will strive to thrive and pursue opportunities for improvement. We must continue to reduce life cycle costs, right size the Aviation Support Equipment inventory footprint and modernize Automatic Test Systems and Ground Support Equipment.”

Born on Flag Day in Philadelphia, Pa., Hepler enlisted during his senior year of high school and reported to active duty June 23, 1976. After graduating from boot camp, he attended Avionics “A” and Advanced First Term Avionics School. His avionics technician assignments included: HM-12, VAW-124 and USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

He served as an enlisted detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel and was initiated to the rank of Chief Petty Officer on Sept. 16, 1984. Hepler received his commission as an Avionics Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Ensign July 1, 1986. His LDO assignments included: USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Naval Air Station Moffett Field and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

After being selected as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer (AMDO), he served as Support Equipment Logistics officer and CV/CVW Readiness officer at Commander Naval Air Force U. S. Pacific Fleet. He served as Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) officer in USS Peleliu (LHA 5) that included a deployment to East Timor, Indonesia that involved humanitarian services in support of Operation Stabilize.

His next assignment was at NAVAIR to serve as the AMDO Community manager. His last operational tour was as AIMD officer in USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) that included an around the world cruise that involved combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hepler’s previous program office experience includes: Autonomic Logistics Systems Engineering Integration Team Lead for the F-35 Joint Program Office; Deputy Program Manager (PM); Air Vehicle Systems for the F/A-18, PMA-265; EA-18G Program Office Aviation Support Equipment Program Office, PMA-265.

During off duty hours, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters in Business Administration from City University of Seattle. He attended the National Defense University (NDU) Industrial College of the Armed Forces and attained a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy.

He completed the NDU Chief Information Officer Certificate Program with an Information Assurance concentration and the Defense Acquisition University PMT401 Program Manager’s Course and PMT402 Executive Program Manager’s Course.

A member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, Hepler is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) level III career field certified in Life Cycle Logistics, Production/Quality/Manufacturing, Program Management, Systems Planning Research Development &Engineering Science Technology Manager and Test & Evaluation Engineering.

His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) in addition to numerous unit and service awards.