NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Precision Strike Weapons office (PMA-201) welcomed a new program manager during a ceremony held at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23’s hangar March 23 in Patuxent River.

Rear Adm. Mark Darrah, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)) presided over the change of command where Capt. John Dougherty IV assumed responsibility of PMA-201 from Capt. Jaime Engdahl.

Under Engdahl’s command, PMA-201 ushered in a new era of Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability including the initial operational capability of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW C-1) and the flight test and program advancement of the Harpoon Block II+, Small Diameter Bomb (SDB II), and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

Engdahl recognized NEW’s significant capability and advocated for rapid fielding of these capabilities, along with substantial training and concept of operations work to ensure the fleet received lethal, survivable weapons in a timely manner.

"The PMA-201 team has done exceptional work over the past three years to support our warfighters and bring innovation and technological change to defense acquisition,” said Engdahl. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with this accomplished team.”

A native of Hayward, California, Engdahl officially retires in July after 27 years of service.

Dougherty takes command of PMA-201 after serving as the class desk officer for the Unmanned Carrier Aviation program office (PMA-268) where he worked with fleet stakeholders to define requirements and conduct various capability trade studies. During his tenure with the program, the Navy established its Maritime Accelerated Capabilities Office to drastically streamline high-priority Navy acquisitions.

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dougherty’s previous assignments include weapon systems integration lead and radar team lead for the F/A-18, EA-18G program, and deputy director of development for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

He will be responsible for leading 30 programs with over $4.7 billion total obligation authority. Dougherty’s responsibility includes the largest NAVAIR Foreign Military Sales portfolio with 39 coalition partners and management of over $3.1 billion dollars.

"It's an honor to join such a high performing organization,” said Dougherty. “I look forward to continuing the program’s excellence in delivering game-changing capability to our warfighters.”