Airborne Electronic Attack Systems

Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office, PMA-234, is responsible for acquiring, delivering, and sustaining Airborne Electronic Attack systems and providing combatant commanders with Electronic Warfare capabilities that critically enable operational mission success.

Captain David Rueter

Program Manager, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems

A native of Derwood, Maryland, Capt. David J. Rueter graduated from Cornell University in 1997, earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in July 1998. Rueter graduated in Class 127 from the United States Test Pilot School and was awarded a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering as an Air Force Institute of Technology Distinguished Graduate.

Rueter’s fleet assignments include Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 “Vikings,” VAQ-132 “Scorpions,” and department head for VAQ-140 “Patriots.” In 2013, he checked in to VAQ-142 as executive officer and assumed command of the “Gray Wolves” in 2014, transitioning the squadron to the EA-18G Growler. During these assignments, he deployed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Dwight Eisenhower (CVN 69), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68), participating in Operation Southern Watch, Joint Guardian, and Enduring Freedom.

While on shore duty, Rueter served as project officer for EA-6B and EA-18G projects for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and action officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-6. Rueter reported to the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) in 2016, serving as the EA-18G Growler Systems Integrated Program Team lead and the deputy program manager. In July 2019, he reported as the executive assistant to the Principal Military Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition).

In August 2021, he assumed his current position as program manager for Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Systems Program Office (PMA-234), providing acquisition, engineering, and technical services to the Navy and Marine Corps for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band and NGJ Low Band, AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, AN/ALQ-231 Intrepid Tiger II, and Advanced AEA Development.

Rueter has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours in 22 aircraft and 658 carrier arrested landings, including 105 combat missions. He was awarded 1999 Fleet Replacement Electronic Countermeasures Officer of the Year, 2002 Electronic Attack Wing Pacific Prowler Tactics Instructor of the Year, and 2009 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Naval Flight Officer of the Year. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (six awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons. He has been a member of four Battle E award-winning squadrons.

Location

47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547
United States

PAO

Elizabeth Fahrner