Naval Air Systems Command
NAVAIR delivers naval aviation excellence through the development, acquisition and sustainment of capabilities our Sailors and Marines need to defend our nation today and into the future. We Make an Impact!
Overview: Established in 1966 as the successor to the Navy’s Bureau of Naval Weapons, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is headquartered in Patuxent River, Md., with military and civilian personnel stationed at eight locations across the continental United States and one site overseas.
Mission: NAVAIR's mission is to provide full life-cycle support of naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. This support includes research, design, development and systems engineering; acquisition; test and evaluation; training facilities and equipment; repair and modification; and in-service engineering and logistics support.
Vision: Sailors and Marines Armed with Confidence…Because we develop, deliver, and sustain aircraft, weapons, and systems – on time, on cost, with proven capability and reliability – so they succeed in every mission and return safely home.
VADM John Dougherty IV
Commander, Naval Air Systems Command
Vice Adm. John Dougherty IV is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with merit. He holds a Master of Business of Administration (MBA) and a Master of Systems Engineering (MSSE) from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After earning his Wings of Gold and completing Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training at VFA-125, he joined Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-147, where he flew combat strike missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom aboard USS John Stennis (CVN74). He was then assigned as an instructor pilot at VFA-125, where he served as the assistant operations officer and the out-of-control flight phase head. During these tours, he accumulated more than 1,200 flight hours in the F/A-18C and completed over 300 carrier landings.
Before transitioning to the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) community in 2006, Dougherty served as a strategic planner on the Combined Forces Command Afghanistan (CFC-A) staff in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Dougherty’s acquisition tours include Airborne Rockets and Pyrotechnics Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead for the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-242); F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Office Deputy Director of Development; F/A-18EF and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) Weapon System Integration & Radar Lead; and Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office (PMA-268) Class Desk.
From 2017-2021 he served as program manager for the Precision Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-201) which encompasses several major air-to-ground weapon programs for naval aviation, including the largest Naval Air Systems Command foreign military sales portfolio.
In 2021, Dougherty served as the first slated program manager for the Navy’s Next Generation Air Dominance Program Office (PMA-230).
His previous Flag Officer tour was Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and Chief Engineer, Naval Air Systems Command.
He assumed his current position as Commander, Naval Air Systems Command in August 2025.
Dougherty’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various other unit awards.
Location
47123 Buse Rd.
Buldg 2272, Rm 540
Patuxent River, MD 20670
United States