Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD - At a ceremony on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, Rear Admiral (lower half) James B. Godwin, III, was frocked to the grade of Rear Admiral (Upper Half). The ceremony, which pinned on Godwin's second star, was led by Vice Admiral Joe Dyer, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

RADM Godwin was joined by his wife Karen, three of his four children, daughters Mandy and Brittany, son Hunter, and son-in-law Joseph Tucker.

Eldest daughter Clancy and son-in-law LTJG Kristian Wahlgren sent well wishes from Naples, Italy where Kristian just transferred to the Naval Regional Contracting Center from USS Lake Erie.

Also joining the ceremony was Corky Godwin, RADM Godwin's mother who flew in from Boerne, Texas, for the event. Brittany and Hunter had the honors of pinning on his second star.

Prior to reading the authorization letter issued from the Chief of Naval Operations, VADM Dyer spoke to the audience on RADM Godwin's career and challenging position he holds today. "You get medals and awards for what you have done, and you get promoted for what you are going to do, " said Dyer.

RADM Godwin's words to the audience were filled with thanks and gratitude to all of the people who have affected his career along the way. He noted his sincere appreciation to those across the command who have helped him achieve success. Later, Godwin said of his promotion, "This provides me and the PEO(T) Team with tremendous opportunities to assist the CNO with his goals for Transforming the Navy".

RADM Godwin's naval aviation career began in August 1973 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, which led to him receiving his wings at NAS Kingsville, Texas in July 1975. He had subsequent tours within the Carrier Aviation community in both the A-7 Corsair II and F/A-18 Hornet leading to command of Strike Fighter Squadron 192 while embarked in USS Midway (CV-41) and USS Independence (CV-62) forward deployed to NAS Atsugi, Japan. After detaching from VFA-192 RADM Godwin reported to NAVAIR.

His current position is the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, in Patuxent River, Maryland.

For more information pertaining to NAVAIR Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft, contact Denise Deon Wilson at 301-481-6263.

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