Air Force Col. Brian Jonasen assumed responsibilities about a month ago as the program manager for CV-22, the Air Force variant of the V-22 Osprey, and already likes what he sees.
“Right now, I’m figuring out how to take this great team, that’s running on all cylinders, to the next level,” said Jonasen, who replaced the retiring Col. Tarek Abboushi. “I’m focusing on the next three years, where we need to be, and how do we get there.”
Jonasen admits to being a bit surprised when he was selected for this position because he had no previous V-22 experience. His 23 years in the Air Force, however, have prepared him perfectly for this job. His education began at the Air Force Academy, followed by studies at Squadron Officer School, University of Dayton, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. He has worked with the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the U. S. Special Operations Command, has held several program management positions and served a stint as a maintenance officer.
Jonasen, whose team is a mix of about 50 military and civilians, said as a leader he likes to delegate to the correct working level and hold teams accountable for executing to plan.
“I’ve always tried to leave things better than I found them,” Jonasen said. “If I can do that with an already high performing team, I’ll be happy.”
Borrowing from a former Pentagon boss, Jonasen’s philosophy is that the mission comes first and balances on three legs – family, fitness, and fun, enjoying a challenging work environment.
“While we are focused on delivering and supporting the aircraft in the field, it’s also important to help our people keep their personal lives in balance,” he said.
Besides people and money, Jonasen sees time as one of the most precious resources because once it’s gone, it’s gone. He said he will focus on keeping schedules from slipping by emphasizing being realistic and honest in execution planning.
“I’ve made it known that I’m holding people accountable to meeting deadlines,” he said. “I know things happen that are beyond our control but we can’t become complacent and accept slipping schedules as the norm.”
Jonasen knew in high school that he wanted to serve in the military, although the Air Force was not his original plan. He actually wanted to be a Marine Corps Harrier pilot so he applied to the Naval Academy. While completing the application, he checked a box indicating that he might be interested in the Air Force Academy also. He was accepted to the Air Force academy and Navy ROTC and after careful consideration chose the Air Force.
No matter where he’s assigned, Jonasen’s loyalties always remain with his hometown Chicago teams.
Jonasen said he and his family are excited to be at Patuxent River for the next three years, especially since this is their third move in as many years. He and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 20 years and have two kids – Colin, 13, and Caitlin, 10. All of Jonasen’s time away from the office is spent with the family. They love outdoor activities like camping and biking, and both kids are actively involved in sports and scouting.
“I am really happy to be here,” Jonasen said. “It seems like a great community.”
