Navy Launches Five New Acquisition Executives to Streamline Processes

The United States Navy has announced the establishment of five new portfolio acquisition executives (PAEs) as part of a comprehensive acquisition reform initiative. This initiative aims to streamline management processes and enhance accountability within the Navy’s acquisition enterprise. The announcement was made on **March 15, 2024**, in Washington.

The newly appointed PAEs include PAE Maritime, led by Chris Miller; PAE Undersea, led by Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher; PAE Industrial Operations, led by Vice Adm. James Downey; PAE Strategic Systems Programs, led by Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe; and PAE Marine Corps, led by Lt. Gen. Eric Austin. This restructuring follows the establishment of the first PAE for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) in December 2023.

This initiative is part of the Navy’s broader aim to make the PAE model the new operational standard for managing acquisition processes. According to the Navy, this new structure designates the heads of the PAE organizations as the single accountable officials for their respective portfolios.

Jason Potter, performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research and development, highlighted the transformation by stating that the PAEs will have significant authority over various aspects of acquisitions. “Within the PAEs’ toolkit is head of contract authority, most technical authority, life cycle, sustainment, planning,” he explained. “These are all things that have previously been at the SYSCOM [systems command], which now the PAE both has the authority to do and is accountable for doing.”

The changes align with the provisions of the **fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act**, which includes directives for establishing PAEs to consolidate management of weapons programs. Vice Adm. Seiko Okano, principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research and development, emphasized the shift from traditional methods: “No longer will program managers operate in an environment where they control very few of the factors that might influence program success or failure.”

Okano further stated that the focus will shift from procedural compliance to prioritizing speed, innovation, and effective risk management. He noted that past accountability measures were fragmented and that the Navy is replacing compliance-based bureaucracy with a system that prioritizes swift delivery of capabilities to the warfighter.

Transition teams are currently working to establish three additional PAEs focused on aviation, mission systems, and munitions. The Navy is also assessing the potential for creating PAEs for shore operations and supply logistics. “Everything’s getting looked at right now,” Potter remarked, suggesting that recommendations for these future PAEs may be finalized by the end of April 2024.

This restructuring represents a significant shift in how the Navy will operate moving forward, emphasizing a more cohesive and accountable approach to its acquisition processes. The ongoing evaluations and reforms reflect a commitment to adapt and improve in response to current operational needs.