NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – You can sometimes hear the program office staff’s laughter and shouting before you enter their spaces. You can definitely feel the energy when you walk in. Massive collaboration is clearly going on.

And, this is not a case of “when the cat’s away … “. Instead, if Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) program manager Capt. John Bailey is around, he’s likely wearing the Cheshire grin.

This football-coaching, gold-watch-wearing, ’80s-band-loving front man for PMA-234, call sign “Bails,” emits positivity and approachability, whether in the office, at the Pentagon or in the NAVAIR cafeteria grabbing his morning cup of black joe.  Regardless, people tend to remember their first encounter with him.  He always wears a broad smile, will usually ask about their day, and may even crack a joke. They will tell you he laughs easily and heartily at himself, and often; his friendliness is contagious. There’s a striking unanimity around words like “passionate” and “gregarious” to describe him. And one thing is for certain: He knows how to rally his team.

With only weeks left in the program office, Bailey’s spirit shows no signs of ebbing. Besides the fact that is just not who he is, how can he? The Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) System that blocks enemy radars is in full technology development mode, the Intrepid Tiger II variant three (ITII (V)3) was just fielded on the first UH-1 Huey and the Marine Corps’ EA-6B Prowler aircraft is in the midst of sundown.

So, Bailey keeps leading his team to get the ball over the goal line.

Hard work and passion
“Capt. Bailey instilled a culture of hard work and open, honest communication regarding program status and issues, all while having fun in the process,” says Brad Hall, PMA-234’s assistant program manager for engineering. “His jovial personality and his willingness to make fun of himself comes out in almost every meeting, yet he’s impactful because he’s passionate about his role in providing our warfighters with meaningful capabilities in a timely and cost-effective manner. He’s willing to challenge the system and knock down bureaucratic barriers so that his team can execute programs in an expeditious manner.”

Bailey’s communication style is somewhat unconventional, opting to shout a question across the room rather than call someone in his office for a private chat. Ann Stewart, Air 11.0 attorney, says “Capt. Bailey is incredibly smart and knows the subject matter very well. He has a great sense of humor and is straightforward in communicating his expectations and direction in which he wants the program office to move.”

Skunk Works and Rapid Deployment Capability
During Bailey’s tenure, one of the most talked about moves was NGJ’s acceptance as a pilot program for the Better Buying Power Skunk Works initiative by the former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD (AT&L)), Frank Kendall.  With Bailey at the helm, the team creatively established the first Skunk Works charter that defined the tailoring of traditional acquisition processes for the NGJ Inc 1 program and future Skunk Work programs to follow.

Another strategic move outside of the conventional acquisition method was the Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) approach to providing AEA capability on Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopters. With the team as lead systems integrator building the system, the ITII (V)3 was designated an RDC, developed, tested, and set sail with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, where it quickly joined the fight against terrorism.

“With his protective nature over his programs and the people who work for him, Bails inspires creativity and innovation. He has high expectations, but is very mindful in recognizing and rewarding them for their contributions,” Hall said.

‘Coach’ Bailey
Bailey’s motivational style and mentorship extends onto the football field. Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Patuxent River Raiders, a 14-year-old and under Southern Maryland Youth Athletic Conference football team located in the heart of St. Mary’s county, “Coach” Bailey mentors 25 players year-round.

“Capt. Bailey is a coach that players from all teams look to as a role model,” said Lindy McHone, PMA-234 deputy program manager for advanced development and football mom. “He teaches the importance of teamwork on and off the field. He ensures players can always talk to him about whatever their concerns are, whether at home, school or on the field. He develops a personal relationship with each of his players.”

As Bailey prepares to take over as the senior military assistant to the USD (AT&L), he will leave behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication and commitment enveloped in a positive atmosphere.

Change of command
The PMA-234 change of command ceremony will take place June 28 at 10 a.m. in the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett building atrium.

Read more about Captain Bailey and PMA-234 online at http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.display&key=35A2A713-3DA4-4945-ABCC-D5732B054D00.