The NAVAIR Cost & Scheduling Analysis Department recently hosted its first "Promptathon," a two-day hackathon-style event where 10 teams used AI to develop innovative solutions to solve complex operational challenges and bottlenecks. 

The DoN and DoW are rapidly integrating AI into daily acquisition and sustainment operations. AI is a digital force multiplier that can enhance workforce skills, increase speed and deliver a decisive warfighting advantage to the fleet. 

The Department of the Navy (DON) today established the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Aviation, PAE(A), led by Vice Adm. John Dougherty IV. The PAE model is the new operational standard for the acquisition enterprise, injecting urgency and a ruthless focus on accelerated capability delivery. 

The NAVAIR Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR/SBTT) group Wednesday finished up NAVAIR panel presentations at this year’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026 at the National Harbor, Maryland.

NAVAIR personnel kicked off Tuesday at Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026 with “Start with the Fleet: Readiness, Capability, Speed,” a panel led by NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, who was joined by Rear Adm. Todd Evans, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and chief engineer with NAVAIR; Vice Commander Capt. Joseph Hidalgo, representing Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC); and Paul McGinty, director of the NAVAIR Rapid Capability Cell.

Dougherty began the panel by laying out NAVAIR’s highest priorities.

A distinguished panel of experts spoke about current Navy acquisition challenges, readiness, future force development, operational strength, speed to fleet and workforce excellence at the NAVAIR booth on opening day of the Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, hosted by the Navy League.

Representatives from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) will conduct briefings at the annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026, hosted by the Navy League, April 19-22 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Maryland.

The panels will highlight the people and products behind existing and future naval aviation systems, services and platforms.

Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), has announced Steve Cricchi will take the role as deputy commander, NAVAIR, effective Feb. 26.

Cricchi replaces NAVAIR Deputy Commander Tom Rudowsky, who will officially retire March 2.

Cricchi transitions into the role after serving as the executive director of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), a position he has held since July 2021.

At a ceremony on Jan. 21, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced its 2025 Supervisor of the Year Award winners, recognizing one recipient from each of its 11 sites.

Anthony Harris, an aircraft overhaul and repair supervisor on Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s (FRCSE) T-6 Texan II production line, received the NAVAIR accolade for FRCSE. There were 59 other nominees from across the command.

At a ceremony on Jan. 21, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced its 2025 Mentor of the Year Award winners, recognizing one recipient from each of its 11 sites.  

Rodney McQueen, supervisor of preventive maintenance for Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s (FRCSE) plant maintenance division, received the NAVAIR accolade for FRCSE.

The first Royal Navy (RN) F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrived at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) on Dec. 3 for Production Asset Inspection Requirement Tier II (PAIR II) corrosion-mitigation inspections.

Using the PAIR II process, FRCSE artisans on the F-35 corrosion speed line will inspect the aircrafts’ underlying structure then remove and repair any corrosion to prevent further damage.