NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Naval Aviation Training Systems Program Office (PMA-205), which oversees the procurement and life-cycle management of the Department of the Navy’s training ranges and systems, gained a new leader during a change of command ceremony here June 27.

Capt. Craig Dorrans, who previously served as the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems MQ-4C Triton integrated product team lead and fleet integration lead, replaced Capt. John Feeney as PMA-205’s program manager during the ceremony held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

Feeney’s next assignment will be the military director for the Airworthiness Office (AIR-4.0P).

“PMA-205 has a reputation of being forward-thinking, innovative and experts in development and sustainment of affordable training solutions,” Dorrans said at the event. “I’m humbled to lead the program office that trains and prepares our Sailors and Marines for real-world missions.”

The Duke University graduate, who holds a Master of Science degree from National University, has had a distinguished career prior to his new position. He was a former commanding officer of Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22. Located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., TACRON 22 provided detachments to coordinate all air operations in support of amphibious forces.

Dorrans takes on his new role at a key period in the program, as the Navy prepares to invest in training systems enhancements and tactical range improvements. He will lead the service’s efforts for its Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan (NASMP), which will improve the fidelity, capacity and concurrency of simulators for training and readiness.  According to NASMP, the $570 million investment in training systems enhancements will realize $119 million annual savings in flight-hour accounts starting in fiscal 2020.

This is not the first time Dorrans has supported PMA-205. From 2004 to 2007, the naval flight officer held the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance P-8A training systems integrated product team lead position. During that period, he was instrumental in the procurement and planning of P-8A Poseidon training systems and the P-8A Integrated Training Center (ITC). The efforts were realized when the P-8A ITC opened at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., in March 2012.

Organized under the Program Management Organization, known as AIR-1.0, which includes common aviation and aircrew support equipment, PMA-205 is a 464-member program that develops training and readiness capabilities through the use of simulators and associated courseware, for both the Navy and Marine Corps.

"Capt. Dorrans' previous experience in PMA-205 enhances his ability to lead the program team," said Keith Sanders, the assistant commander for Acquisition, who leads AIR-1.0. "He embodies professionalism and leadership. His business instinct, integrity and strong character combined with his technical acumen, make him ideal to fill Capt. Feeney's shoes. PMA-205 is in good hands."

ABOUT CAPT. CRAIG DORRANS

EDUCATION: Graduated from Duke University with bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and electrical engineering; holds a Master’s of Science degree in business from National University.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Served as the executive officer and commanding officer of Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22, where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf, Bengal Sea and Indian Ocean aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3); was the integrated product team lead and fleet integration lead for the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System program as part of the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262).

HOBBIES: An avid sports fan, he can be found on weekends cheering for the Duke Blue Devils and Florida Gators, while mastering grilling techniques; coaches his son's soccer team; enjoys snow skiing and water skiing.