NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Air-to-Air Missiles Program Office (PMA-259) welcomed its new leader in a ceremony recently at the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building.

Capt. Jim Stoneman relieved Capt. John “Snooze” Martins as PMA-259 program manager Oct. 9.  The ceremony also marked Martins’ retirement from the Navy after 27 years.

A 1987 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and naval flight officer, Martins has logged more than 2,000 hours in 14 types of military aircraft, has 350 carrier landings, 51 combat missions and more than 1,500 hours as a private pilot.

Martins was selected to serve as PMA-259 program manager in 2010 and according to his award citation, under his leadership, the program exceeded performance requirements, with the Air Intercept Missile (AIM) 9X sidewinder missile team achieving a Milestone C decision, authorizing the system to enter low-rate initial production and on track for initial operational capability in spring 2015.

“I’d like to leave you with a reminder of how important the work you do is for our country,” Martins said. “At this moment, naval aviators are preflighting their [Naval Air Systems Command] products on the carrier deck a half a world away, in preparation for their night [catapult] shot over enemy territory to combat terrorism. It’s because of your good work that allows them to do their job, keeping us safe here at home. I believe this naval aviation business is vitally important to national security, and I will rest easy in retirement knowing it is in good hands.”

Guest speaker, Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis, program executive officer for tactical aircraft (PEO(T)) acknowledged Martins’ success as PMA-259 program manager. “In his tenure during the last four years as the Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile office program manager, Snooze was in charge of more than 320 people who support five joint programs with a budget of more than seven billion dollars.”

In addition, the Foreign Military Sales team supported more than 31 cases and oversaw 10 signed letters of acceptance in three years. The AIM-7 team extended the U.S. service life of the missile from 2012 to 2018 and the AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile completed development and operational test.

Recognizing Martins’ service, Gaddis said “Your service has really made a difference to the Navy, the Department of Defense and this country. You have made a contribution to our great nation that will last for generations. You have my great admiration and respect and our Navy's deepest gratitude. It has been a real honor to serve with you. I salute you.”

Gaddis hailed Stoneman as he begins his program manager tour.

“You’re a career aviator and you’ve been in command before,” Gaddis said. “The position you’re assuming today marks another opportunity for you to continue your track record of success. You are inheriting a solid team of professionals and it will be up to you to continue inspiring them to further successes.”

Stoneman’s operational tours include assignments with Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ) 138 and 137 as an electronic counter measures officer (ECMO); staff electronic warfare officer with Commander, Carrier Group Six; and department head tour with VAQ-134. His most recent operational tour was as the executive officer and then the commanding officer with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142. Stoneman has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours and 325 carrier landings.

His shore tours include Naval Postgraduate School; VAQ-129 flight instructor and EA-6B systems instructor and operations officer; and deputy commander with Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and NAVAIR. Before his assignment to PMA-259, Stoneman served as the chief of staff for PEO(T).

“It is an honor to be taking over the command of PMA-259,” Stoneman said. “Thank you to Captain Martins for leaving the program in great shape. PMA-259 has an outstanding group of professionals that I look forward to working with.”

PMA-259 is responsible for the acquisition, development and sustainment of air-to-air missile systems and supports teams in three locations: NAS Patuxent River; China Lake, California, and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.