Naval Air Systems Command

Naval Air Systems Command
USN · Public domain · source
Name	Naval Air Systems Command
Formed	08 May 1966
Preceding1	Bureau of Naval Weapons
Jurisdiction	United States Department of the Navy
Headquarters	Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, U.S.
Chief1 name	VADM Carl P. Chebi
Chief1 position	Commander
Chief2 name	RDML John E. Dougherty IV
Chief2 position	Vice Commander
Parent agency	United States Navy
Website	www.navair.navy.mil

Naval Air Systems Command. It is the Department of the Navy's material support organization responsible for the life-cycle management of naval aviation aircraft, weapon systems, and related technology. Headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, the command delivers integrated air warfare capabilities to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied forces. Its work spans research, development, acquisition, test, evaluation, and sustainment of all naval aviation platforms.

History

The command's origins trace to the establishment of the Bureau of Aeronautics in 1921, which consolidated naval aviation functions. Following World War II, the Bureau of Naval Weapons was created in 1959 by merging the Bureau of Aeronautics and the Bureau of Ordnance. The modern Naval Air Systems Command was formally established on May 8, 1966, replacing the Bureau of Naval Weapons as part of a broader Department of Defense reorganization. Key historical milestones include its critical support during the Vietnam War, the Cold War development of advanced fighter aircraft, and its pivotal role in the F-14 Tomcat and A-6 Intruder programs. The command has continually evolved, integrating new technologies from the E-2 Hawkeye to the F-35 Lightning II.

Organization

The command is organized into a headquarters staff and several aligned program executive offices and directorates. Major subdivisions include the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs, the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, and the Program Executive Office for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs. Key functional directorates cover competencies in research and development, test and evaluation, and contracting. The command also oversees the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, which provide essential engineering and fleet support services from locations like Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg.

Mission and responsibilities

Its primary mission is to provide full life-cycle support for naval aviation warfighting capabilities. This encompasses the entire spectrum from advanced concept exploration and science and technology research to systems engineering, acquisition management, and in-service sustainment. The command is responsible for ensuring the operational readiness, safety, and modernization of the naval aviation fleet. It manages complex partnerships with industry leaders such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, and coordinates closely with other DoD agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and operational fleet commands.

Key programs and systems

The command manages some of the U.S. military's most critical aviation platforms. Major fixed-wing programs include the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler, the F-35C Lightning II, and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. In rotary-wing aviation, it oversees the CH-53K King Stallion, the MH-60R/S Seahawk, and the CMV-22B Osprey. Key unmanned systems include the MQ-25 Stingray and the MQ-4C Triton. The portfolio also encompasses major weapon systems like the AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and AGM-88E AARGM, as well as critical training systems and simulation technologies.

Facilities and locations

Its headquarters is at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, which also serves as a major hub for research, development, test, and evaluation activities. Other principal facilities include Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, a premier site for weapons testing; Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Naval Base Ventura County; and Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg in Pennsylvania for logistics and corporate operations. Significant testing and support operations are also conducted at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Air Station North Island, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. These sites collaborate with allied test centers like the British Empire Test Pilots' School.

Leadership

The command is led by a Vice Admiral who serves as Commander, appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. As of 2023, the commander is VADM Carl P. Chebi. The second-in-command is the Vice Commander, a Rear Admiral, currently RDML John E. Dougherty IV. Senior leadership also includes a civilian Executive Director and several flag officers leading the major program executive offices. The commander reports to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and the Chief of Naval Operations.

Category:United States Navy commands Category:Naval aviation Category:Organizations based in Maryland Category:1966 establishments in the United States