NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Systems Program Office (PMA-234) hosted its inaugural JAMinar in June. The pilot program aimed to equip new program office personnel with valuable knowledge and program office-focused courses to better support PMA-234 and the warfighter.
The one-day course, dubbed JAMinar in a nod to radar jammers, was designed to provide a short and focused overview of the program office and how it fits into the mission of Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The goal was to increase PMA-234 proficiency as it successfully supports the mission of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence share a joint cooperative partnership on developing AEA capabilities.
“It is vital to educate our new teammates with the foundational knowledge of AEA and familiarize them with our Joint Program Office (JPO),” explained Capt. David Rueter, program manager. “Whether you’ve worked in NAVAIR for five years or five months, every program office is distinctive and we want to ensure everyone understands the mission and vision of our organization and JPO partnership.”
PMA-234 deputy program managers and functional leads joined the class to introduce themselves and explain how their team fits into and supports the program office.
Deputy Next Generation Jammer Cmdr. Tim Phillips joined the class, not only as a leader but also as a student.
“Each NAVAIR-affliated program has a very specific role. How things are done in one PMA doesn’t necessarily translate to another. As a new member of PMA-234 myself, I understand there’s a learning curve as you navigate through a new office. This class offered an innovative advantage for newcomers as they adjust to their role within the program office,” said Phillips.
Subject matter experts within PMA-234 collaborated for six months to identify the most valuable information for new employees and designed thorough but practical 101-style courses, including NAVAIR, PMA-234 overview, Electronic Warfare, EA-18G Growler, and JPO. In addition, class participants were invited to tours of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), the NGJ pod shop, the anechoic chamber where EW is tested, and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21).
While touring VX-23, JAMinar participants learned how the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System and Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) pods are integrated onto the Growlers and support warfighters in contested parts of the world. Additionally, the visit to the pod shop provided a unique opportunity to see NGJ close up, gaining a new perspective of the pod’s components. In the anechoic chamber, participants viewed how testing is conducted in a controlled environment. Finally, the day wrapped up with a tour at HX-21 to see the UH-1Y which carries the Intrepid Tiger II EW weapon system for the Marine Corps.
“The JAMinar was an invaluable experience not only for newcomers to PMA-234 but for anyone looking for perspective on how we fit into the overall NAVAIR and Navy missions. The briefs and tours helped to actualize the work that we do daily and the capabilities that we provide to the fleet,” Business Financial Manager Patrick Hart said.
The program office plans to host a JAMinar twice a year.
From PMA-234 Communications
