PATUXENT RIVER, Md., April 23, 2025 — The Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) at Naval Air Systems Command welcomed Capt. Joseph Kamara as its new program manager during a change of command and retirement ceremony on April 17. Kamara relieved Capt. Carey Castelein, who retired from the Navy after leading PMA-202’s 13 acquisition programs and managing over 1,200 safety-critical products with an annual budget exceeding $150 million.
Castelein, reflecting on his tenure, praised his team’s dedication to naval aviation’s zero-failure mission. “The Naval Aircrew team you see here are unsung heroes of naval aviation,” he said. “These government civilians, active-duty military, and contract support understand our zero-failure mission. The team delivers capability for the most advanced, most articulate, most thoughtful, and most numerous naval aviation weapon systems. I appreciate your dedication to bringing every Sailor and Marine home.” His leadership ensured the delivery of lifesaving systems, including ejection seats, survival vests, and oxygen equipment, supporting aircrews and maintainers across defense aviation.
Kamara, previously deputy program manager for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program office (PMA-251), assumed command with a focus on continuing PMA-202’s legacy. “Our mission here is critical – to ensure safety, effectiveness, and survivability of our naval aircrews and aircraft maintainers,” he said. “This team provides life support systems, the protective gear, and the critical interfaces to allow our aircrew and maintainers to execute their missions with confidence. This is not a job, it’s a solemn responsibility.” Kamara pledged to build on Castelein’s achievements, emphasizing the team’s role in delivering mission-critical equipment.
PMA-202 oversees systems vital to naval aviation, including ejection seats, hearing protection, oxygen/breathing systems, vision systems, survival vests, and personal protective equipment. These products support aircrews, troops, and passengers, ensuring safety and mission success. The program’s portfolio spans all defense aviation platforms, managing equipment that directly enhances survivability and operational effectiveness. Castelein’s oversight of over 1,200 products underscored the program’s scope, with an annual budget of more than $150 million driving innovation and reliability.
The ceremony, held at Patuxent River, marked a transition in leadership for a program central to naval aviation’s safety mission. Castelein’s retirement concludes a tenure defined by managing complex acquisition programs that delivered critical capabilities. Kamara’s experience with PMA-251, which handles launch and recovery systems, positions him to lead PMA-202’s diverse portfolio effectively. The event highlighted the team’s commitment to a zero-failure standard, ensuring every Sailor and Marine returns home safely.
Kamara now leads PMA-202 at a time when naval aviation demands advanced, reliable systems. His vision emphasizes safety and survivability, building on the foundation laid by Castelein and the team’s ongoing work. The program’s role in equipping aircrews and maintainers remains a cornerstone of mission readiness, with Kamara’s leadership poised to drive continued excellence.
