Incoming program manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), Capt. David Kindley, seated at right, listens as the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs (PEO(T)), Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis, speaks to the Hornet and Growler community during the July 16 change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. (U.S. Navy photo)

Patuxent River, MD – A new leader took the stick of the program office responsible for Hornets, Super Hornets and Growlers Thursday during a ceremony here.

Capt. David Kindley relieved Capt. Frank Morley before an audience of military members, civilians and program alumni in the hangar of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-23).

Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Morley, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, reiterated his core values and PMA-265’s primary mission to sustain, support and advance the fleet for mission success. He highlighted the accomplishments and continued impact of the U.S. Navy’s longest running tactical aircraft program.

During Morley’s four-year tenure, he successfully facilitated the sustainment of 1,645 domestic and international aircraft all while managing an annual portfolio of $4.1 billion. Additionally, he led a multi-disciplined, international organization of more than 3,200 military, civilian and industry personnel in support of the F/A-18 and EA-18G programs.

“Our goal has always been ‘fleet first’, and as Capt. Kindley takes charge, I can assure you that sole objective will stay the course,” said Morley. “It’s an honor to turn over to such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader whose technical acumen and illustrative career only enhance the program’s dedication to the warfighter.”

Kindley’s most recent assignment was as the executive assistant to the commander, Naval Air Systems Command. NAVAIR is headquartered here.

Kindley served as PMA-265’s F/A-18 Mission Systems deputy program manager from 2011 until 2013 when he reported as the Air Warfare Mission Area – From the Air (PMA-298) deputy program manager. There he led the Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air, or NIFC-CA, integrated product teams in the development and delivery of System of Systems capabilities.

Kindley is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and has a Master of Science National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

PMA-265 is responsible for acquiring, delivering and sustaining the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler aircraft, providing naval aviators with capabilities that enable mission success.

PEO(T) Public Affairs