The Navy achieved a major milestone at Naval Air Station Fallon when F/A-18E/F Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 flew training sorties equipped with the new Tactical Combat Training System, Increment II (TCTS II), for the first time in January.

Developed by Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges (PMA-205), TCTS II provides a seamlessly integrated Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training environment, enhancing security and capability by replicating combat conditions and allowing crews to rehearse complex, distributed operations.

Ensuring the Navy’s warfighters are prepared for underwater challenges, U.S. Navy Seabee Divers from Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2’s Construction Dive Detachment (CDD) Charlie provided vital subsurface infrastructure maintenance for the Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR) in August 2025, ensuring the Navy’s ability to train and certify submarine and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) units.

A collaborative effort between Navy commands has yielded a breakthrough in aircrew safety: a cutting-edge, 3D-printed Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA-205), Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), and Commander, Naval Air Forces training and readiness (CNAF N7), are pioneering additive manufacturing techniques to support aircrew survival equipmentman rating training requirements.

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA-205) welcomed new leadership during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 17, 2025, here. 

Capt. Jonathan Schiffelbein assumed command of PMA-205 relieving Capt. Kevin McGee as program manager, who retires after 27 years of Navy service.

McGee, a native of Reston, Virginia, served as PMA-205 program manager since June 2022, equipping naval aviators with the cutting-edge training they need to dominate the skies.

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA-205) and the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) are bringing the future of training to student aviators with the new T-45C Goshawk mixed-reality simulator, also known as Project Link.

The Navy is pioneering emerging technologies through the Naval Aviation Training Next (NATN) program, focusing on extended reality for aviation training. Extended reality encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, offering immersive experiences by blending virtual and real worlds.

State-of-the-art VR provides cost benefits, improved student throughput

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA-205) “A” School Integrated Product Team (IPT) provided a rapid, cost effective and improved solution for upgrading aging “A” School Virtual Paint Simulator (VPS) training systems using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology.  

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges (PMA-205) and the F/A-18 and EA-18G (PMA-265) program offices are fielding a sophisticated Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training system that has the potential to revolutionize the way the Navy trains, leading to greater readiness and significant cost savings. 

The LVC training, commonly referred to as Link Inject-to-Live (LITL), injects high fidelity simulated air-to-air and surface-to-air targets into the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G weapon systems and is projected to save the Navy millions of dollars annually.  

The successful delivery of the new prototype H-1 Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT) in February to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, marks a significant milestone in Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron (HMLA) training. Once into production, the deliveries will provide the HMLA community fully transportable MRTs with a small footprint, allowing Marines to practice tactical combat skills, mission scenarios, and maintain combat proficiency while deployed.

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges program office (PMA-205) Naval Aviation Survival Training Program (NASTP) team received a Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commander’s Award for acquisition support Jan. 25 during the annual ceremony here. 

“Winners today thought outside the box, took risk where it made sense, and led their teams in delivering capability, enhancing availability, affordability and safety,” said Rear Adm. John Dougherty, NAWCAD commander. “Your programs are examples of expert leadership and teamwork for the rest of the command.”