PATUXENT RIVER, Md., June 20, 2025 — The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA-205) marked a leadership transition on June 17, 2025, as Capt. Jonathan Schiffelbein assumed command from Capt. Kevin McGee during a change of command and retirement ceremony. McGee, who retires after 27 years of Navy service, led PMA-205 since June 2022, overseeing advancements in training systems for naval aviators.
Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer of Tactical Aircraft Programs, praised McGee’s impact. “I can honestly say he’s made a lasting impact on naval aviation,” said Lemmon. “From our very first meeting, it was clear that Tripper always had the best interests of the fleet at heart. He genuinely wants to make a difference for our warfighters, and he consistently strives to find the best ways to serve them.”
Under McGee’s leadership, PMA-205 delivered hundreds of updated training systems, including the Navy’s first mixed reality aircrew trainers. The program office, in collaboration with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, introduced the Simulators at Sea Training Suite on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), integrating F-35, E-2D, F/A-18, and EA-18G simulators to maintain aircrew proficiency underway. PMA-205 also achieved Initial Operational Capability for the Integrated Training Facility at NAS Fallon, combining multiple platforms and AEGIS simulators for strike group training. A Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) Five-Year Flight Plan was published to accelerate LVC training capabilities.
“It’s been a great honor to work with the men and women of PMA-205 these last three years,” said McGee. “The Navy has entrusted PMA-205 with ensuring that our Sailors are prepared for whatever tasking awaits them, and our team has shown what can be done when we put our Sailors first. Thanks for letting me play a small part in the larger story of PMA-205.”
McGee managed an annual budget of $678 million, overseeing two Acquisition Category (ACAT) programs, 37 Abbreviated Acquisition Programs, and 29 other training projects. His career included roles as a test pilot, T-45 Integrated Product Team lead, and Deputy Program Manager for F-35 Maintenance Systems, earning multiple Naval Air Systems Command awards.
Schiffelbein, previously Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Navy (Air/Ground), takes command with a focus on advancing PMA-205’s mission. “PMA-205 provides our warfighters an unfair advantage through superior preparation,” said Schiffelbein. “This advantage ensures their lethality and dominance in the face of the adversary and their safe return home. While we are pursuing new capabilities to enable LVC across the Naval enterprise, we will continue to focus all the way down to our Sailors and Marines going through A School, ensuring everyone is trained for the fight.”
“I am confident that Capt. Schiffelbein is the right person to continue the stewardship of this great organization and continue to deliver quality products that support the men and women on the front lines,” McGee said.
PMA-205, part of the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs, manages the lifecycle acquisition of naval aviation training systems, ranges, and distributed mission training centers, ensuring operational readiness for Navy and Marine Corps personnel. For more information, visit www.navair.navy.mil.
