Patrick Durrant | Brisbane
US Navy Vice Admiral Mat Winter has assumed the role of Program Executive Officer (PEO) for the F-35 program, taking over from long standing incumbent and frequent visitor to Australia, LTGEN Christopher Bogdan 25 May.
A veteran of leading complex defence acquisition programs, VADM Winter thanked LTGEN Bogdan for his leadership and vision transitioning the F-35 program from its initial development to the present phase of aircraft production ramp up, and also his work building a global sustainment network to support the growing F-35 fleet.
“Since he took helm of the F-35 program in 2012, General Bogdan’s acquisition leadership has been bold, effective and decisive,” said VADM Winter. “His approach matured our relationships throughout the F-35 enterprise and set us on a course for success.”
As PEO, Bogdan was responsible for overseeing the $US379 billion program which is simultaneously developing, testing and fielding three next generation strike fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, eight international partners, including Australia, and three foreign military sale countries.
LTGEN Bogdan’s departure as PEO also coincides with his retirement after more than 34 years of Air Force service. With the change in PEO from Air Force to Navy, the program’s service acquisition executive switches from Navy to Air Force.
Former PEO LTGEN Chris Bogdan (L) with head JSF Division AVM Leigh Gordon at the recent Avalon Airshow. Credit: ADM Patrick Durrant
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside so many great leaders and support our nation and allies,” LTGEN Bogdan said. “The F-35 weapon system is now operational and forward deployed. The size of the fleet continues to grow and we are rapidly expanding its capability. The F-35 will form the backbone of United States air combat superiority for decades to come and I know the program is in good hands as we transition leadership today to Vice Admiral Winter.”
As deputy PEO for the past six months, VADM Winter became familiar with the current state of the program, its complexity, and its people.
“The F-35 program is more than a program; it is truly a global enterprise built upon a broad spectrum of stakeholders joined together by a common goal – to support the warfighter,” he said. “Our warfighters, stakeholders and JPO teammates have my commitment to provide timely continuous communications, make prudent transparent decisions, and deliver on our commitments through crisp, accountable execution. These core tenets of my commander’s intent will focus our thinking as we transition to the follow on development phase, ramp up to full rate production and expand global sustainment operations for the growing F-35 fleets and forces.”
In addition to his previous role as the Chief of Naval Research, Winter’s flag tours include serving as the commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake/Point Mugu, CA; assistant commander for Test and Evaluation, Naval Air Systems Command; PEO for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons; and Director, Innovation Technology Requirements and Test & Evaluation.
Winter served operational tours as an A-6E Intruder Bombardier/Navigator with Attack Squadrons 42, 85 and 34. He completed multiple deployments aboard aircraft carriers USS Saratoga (CV 60), USS America (CV 66), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS George Washington (CVN 73).
His acquisition tours include assistant deputy program manager (DPM) for the Joint Standoff Weapon System; chief engineer for JSF Integrated Flight and Propulsion Control; DPM for the Tactical Tomahawk All-Up-Round development program; and his major acquisition command tour as the Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager.