NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Two program executive officer air, anti-submarine warfare, and special mission program (PEO(A)) civilians were recognized in a 25 April ceremony for the annual Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) John Glenn Squadron Marine Aviation Acquisition Awards. These prestigious awards recognize those individuals who have distinguished themselves as the best in Marine Aviation Acquisition during the award period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
Guest of honor, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation Brigadier General Richard D. Joyce addressed the crowd asking them to “enjoy the moment”, congratulating all the award winners, and thanking the families who support them.
“There are simply few things more enjoyable than recognizing mastery of one’s craft,” commented Joyce. “The excellence and precision of one’s actions and the impact one’s effort and dedication can have across the entirety of Marine Aviation, but that is exactly what we get to do tonight.”
Each award category was highly competitive and a true example of the stellar leadership and dedication of our workforce. All the men and women nominated and awarded are a true testament to their commitment to our mission, themselves, the acquisition community, and the Marine Corps.
“These are absolutely phenomenal professionals directly supporting our profession of arms, leaders who thrive in the naval aviation acquisition and test business, experts who are critical at every step along the way to design, develop, acquire, test, deliver, and sustain warfighting capability,” said Joyce. “Marine aviation simply does not and cannot happen without them.”
J.J. McCue Civilian Tester-of-the-Year
Mrs. Lindsay Underwood was honored for her time as government flight test director for the VH-92A Patriot Integrated Test Team (ITT), Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274). She led the test effort for the no-fail presidential helicopter program supervising more than 200 personnel ensuring on-schedule and successful completion of several high priority, high-risk operational test for the presidential helicopter commissioning mission. Mrs. Underwood guided her specialized workforce through effective mentorship, counseling/coaching opportunities, and training.
“I’m honored and grateful to be recognized by the MCAA in honor of the great Mr. J.J. McCue,” said Underwood. “The Presidential Helicopters Team was one of the best group of professionals I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Underwood supported PMA-274 from August 2017 until December 2023.
The J.J. McCue Tester of the Year award recognizes civilian government employees and contractors who perform duties in test and evaluation that contribute to or support Marine Aviation Acquisition efforts.
Thomas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian-of-the-Year
Mr. Jason Barnidge was honored for his time as the Capability and Combat Relevance Deputy for the H-1 Light /Attack Helicopter Program Office (PMA-276). He was the driving force behind every major capability upgrade from the H-1 program and left fielding of upgraded mission computers, ensuring each deploying aircraft had the new capability head of need. He also was recognized for his dedication as an instructor at PMA-276’s Light Attack Academy (LAA), a two-week educational program for junior team leads on the acquisition tools needed to be successful, where he developed and taught two classes and continues to provide instruction.
“As a member of this team, I take great pride in contributing my part and adding value to our collective efforts”, said Barnidge.
Barnidge mentors many junior team leads at PMA-276 and served as the mentor for the team lead for one of the PMA’s most challenging acquisitions, the Structural Improvement and Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU) program. The team is now focused on implementation of the upgrade which will provide tremendous capability to the Marine Corps for years to come.
The Thomas E. Laux Acquisition Civilian of the Year award recognizes civilian government employees and contractors who perform duties that contribute to or support Marine Aviation Acquisition efforts.
The MCAA John Glenn Squadron, located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, annually presents awards to recognize Marines and civilians who have distinguished themselves through the most significant contribution to, or professional achievement in the field of Marine Aviation Acquisition during the preceding calendar year.
About the Programs
PMA-274 provides safe, reliable, secure, affordable aircraft and support to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).
PMA-276 manages the end-to-end procurement, development, support, fielding and disposal of the Marine Corps and international customers H-1 family of aircraft.
PEO(A) provides fleet capability and capacity, supporting development and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, special mission aircraft and aviation anti-submarine warfare equipment and aircraft. PEO(A) is comprised of ten major program offices.