PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 26, 2008)—Capt. Mike Belcher has assumed command of the Aviation Support Equipment program office PMA260 at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Capt. Belcher relieves Capt. George Kilian, who is moving to Capt. Belcher’s old job as the Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers as the Director of Aviation.
“PMA 260, the Aviation Support Equipment program office has a superb legacy for providing and sustaining support equipment for virtually every platform in the Navy and Marine Corps inventory. I am very proud and humbled to be given this opportunity.”
Belcher’s decorations include five Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service related awards and campaign ribbons.
In May 2004, Belcher reported to Naval Air Systems Command, Aviation Support Equipment program office (PMA260) as Deputy Program Manager for the Consolidated Automated Support System, an ACAT II program.
In April 2002, Belcher reported to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Officer and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea during the initial phase of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
From January 2000 to March 2002, Belcher served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) as Assistant Head of Aviation Technical Training. As a Requirements Officer, he was responsible for policy, programming, and budgeting for all Navy and Marine Corps Class “A” and “C” schools as well as introduction of the computer-based training initiative to the Fleet.
In January 1998, Belcher reported to USS Constellation (CV 64) where he served as AIMD Production Control Officer, deploying to the Persian Gulf in 1999 in support of “Operation Southern Watch.”
From 1985 to 1997, Belcher served in various ground aviation maintenance officer billets in VF-211, VAW-112, AIMD, Naval Air Station Miramar Calif., and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Wing, Pacific. During that time, he deployed on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and made three deployments on USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Belcher enlisted in the Navy in August 1979. After completing Basic Training and Aviation Machinist Mate “A” School, he was assigned to HT-18 and subsequently HC-16 in Pensacola, Fla. After graduating from Troy State University, Ala., he was commissioned an Ensign and was later designated an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer.
Captain Belcher and his wife, Pai-Jiun, reside in Leonardtown, Md. with their two children Jennifer and Michael.