NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. — The AV-8B Weapons Systems Program Office (PMA-257) underwent a significant leadership transition on April 1, 2025, as Capt. Gregory “Mancub” Sutton assumed command from Col. Mark “Ammo” Amspacher. This change marks a pivotal moment for the program as the AV-8B Harrier II+ approaches its final flight scheduled for 2026, after which the Navy will deactivate PMA-257 and merge its personnel into the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226).
Sutton now holds dual roles as program manager for both PMA-226 and PMA-257, supported by Sam Hotz, who serves as the principal deputy program manager for both offices. The transition ceremony, held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, also celebrated Amspacher’s retirement after 26 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, praised Amspacher’s tenure, stating, “Ammo has done this during his tenure as the PMA-257 program manager. His integrity, passion for the warfighter and expertise set a tone of excellence for the entire program.” Lemmon expressed confidence in Sutton’s leadership, adding, “With you and Sam at the helm, I’m confident Harrier Nation will continue to thrive with quality leadership.”
The AV-8B Harrier II+, a vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft, has been a cornerstone of Marine Corps aviation since its introduction in the 1980s. As the platform nears its sundown, PMA-257 has faced challenges such as a shrinking supplier base, engine readiness issues, and manpower constraints. Under Amspacher’s leadership since July 2021, the team implemented innovative solutions that improved mission-capable rates to levels not seen in five years, according to Naval Aviation Enterprise data. These efforts also resulted in millions of dollars in cost savings, providing a model for other retiring platforms.
Amspacher reflected on his time with PMA-257, saying, “I’ve been thinking a lot about my time spent with Harrier Nation. What this team has done over the last four years is incredible. This magnificent machine couldn’t operate without its proactive approaches to solving unique problems while always putting the warfighter first to carry the Mighty Harrier all the way to the end.” Sutton, stepping into the role, emphasized the team’s ongoing commitment: “I feel very privileged to lead the outstanding team at PMA-257. They have been doing a phenomenal job ensuring our Marines have safe and ready AV-8B Harriers to fly all the way through its last deployment.”
Amspacher’s career began after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. Commissioned as an officer, he became an EA-6B Prowler pilot in 2002 and later served with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VMAQ) 2, completing multiple deployments to Iraq. His assignments included roles as a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and as a test pilot after graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2009. Before leading PMA-257, he commanded Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 from October 2019 to July 2021. Over his career, Amspacher logged more than 2,600 flight hours, nearly half in combat, across over 25 aircraft types.
The Harrier’s retirement aligns with broader Navy and Marine Corps efforts to modernize their fleets. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the AV-8B’s operational costs have risen as parts become scarce, prompting the shift to newer platforms like the F-35B. As PMA-257 winds down, its integration into PMA-226 ensures continuity for specialized aircraft programs. The ceremony underscored both a farewell to a decorated officer and a strategic step forward for naval aviation.
