On July 10, 2025, the Navy’s Persistent Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) program office (PMA-262) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, held a change of command ceremony, marking a pivotal transition in leadership. Capt. Patrick Murphy relieved Capt. Josh Guerre, who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service, as the program manager for the MQ-4C Triton program. The ceremony underscored the program’s critical role in advancing unmanned maritime operations and set the stage for continued innovation under new leadership.
Leadership Transition and Ceremony Highlights
The change of command, attended by military personnel, civilians, and contractors, featured remarks from Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, Commander of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Chebi praised Guerre’s four-year tenure, stating, “Josh, you and your team delivered outcomes. You’ve shaped the future of unmanned maritime operations, and your leadership has made a lasting difference for the mission, the fleet and the nation.” Guerre, reflecting on his time as program manager, expressed pride in his team’s collective achievements. “I stand here with a deep sense of pride—not in my own accomplishments, but in what we collectively have achieved,” he said. “We got aircraft in the air. We got capability to the fleet. We didn’t just check boxes—we delivered operational impact.”
Capt. Patrick Murphy, a native of New Baltimore, Michigan, assumed command with a commitment to further the program’s mission. “My goal is to deliver a premier airborne ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] platform to our warfighter,” Murphy said, acknowledging the team’s resilience: “Over the last several months, I’ve seen this team tested every day, and they meet every challenge head on. It’s truly impressive to watch them, and it will be an honor to lead them.”
Achievements Under Guerre’s Leadership
During Guerre’s tenure, PMA-262 achieved significant milestones in the MQ-4C Triton program, a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The team successfully deployed Triton aircraft to three operational orbits across the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets, providing real-time, mission-critical ISR capabilities to fleet commanders worldwide. Additionally, Guerre oversaw the delivery of the first Triton aircraft to Australia as part of a cooperative partnership, strengthening international naval collaboration. These accomplishments enhanced the Navy’s ability to monitor and respond to global maritime challenges.
Murphy’s Background and Vision
Capt. Patrick Murphy brings extensive experience to PMA-262. A 1999 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he earned his naval aviator designation in 2001 and is a graduate of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (Class 129). Murphy has a robust aviation background with over 2,000 flight hours across 15 aircraft types and 450 hours of tow time. His shore assignments include roles at NAVAIR, such as project officer for organic mine countermeasures at Rotary Wing Test Squadron (HX) 21 and engineering class desk and in-service deputy program manager at the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters program office (PMA-261). Most recently, he served as executive assistant to the NAVAIR commander.
Murphy now leads a team of hundreds of military, civilian, and contractor personnel responsible for the development, production, fielding, and sustainment of the MQ-4C Triton. He focuses on ensuring the Triton remains a premier ISR platform, meeting the Navy’s operational demands in an evolving strategic environment.
The Role of PMA-262 and the MQ-4C Triton
Based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, a hub for naval aviation research and development, PMA-262 oversees the MQ-4C Triton, a critical asset for maritime ISR. The Triton’s high-altitude, long-endurance capabilities enable persistent surveillance over vast ocean areas, providing real-time data to support mission planning and execution. Its deployments across multiple fleets demonstrate its versatility and strategic importance. The program’s cooperative partnership with Australia further extends its global impact, fostering interoperability with allied forces.
Strategic and Community Impact
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is a cornerstone of the region’s economy and a leader in naval aviation innovation. PMA-262’s work strengthens national security by delivering advanced capabilities to the fleet. The transition from Guerre to Murphy ensures continuity in this mission, with Murphy’s leadership poised to build on past successes. The program’s contributions also resonate locally, supporting jobs and fostering community pride in the region’s role in naval advancement.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As Murphy assumes command, he faces the challenge of maintaining the program’s momentum amidst a leadership transition. The MQ-4C Triton’s complex development and sustainment require coordination across diverse teams and stakeholders. However, Murphy’s extensive experience and the team’s proven resilience position PMA-262 for continued success. Future efforts will likely focus on enhancing the Triton’s capabilities, expanding its operational reach, and deepening international partnerships.
The following table summarizes key aspects of the leadership transition:
Aspect Details Outgoing Program Manager Capt. Josh Guerre, retiring after 25 years of service Incoming Program Manager Capt. Patrick Murphy, 1999 U.S. Naval Academy graduate Key Achievements (Guerre) Deployed MQ-4C Triton to three fleets, delivered first aircraft to Australia Murphy’s Goal Deliver premier airborne ISR platform to warfighters Program Focus Development, production, fielding, and sustainment of MQ-4C Triton
Looking Forward
The change of command ceremony at Patuxent River marks both a celebration of past achievements and a commitment to future progress. Capt. Murphy’s leadership will guide PMA-262 as it continues to deliver critical ISR capabilities to the Navy and its allies. Residents of Southern Maryland and the broader naval community can take pride in the program’s contributions to national security and global maritime operations.