Capt. John P. Feeney assumed command of the Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205) Friday, Jul 9, from Capt. Darryl J. Long who retired from the U.S. Navy after 25 years of service. (U.S. Navy Photo)
A native of Philadelphia, Pa. Feeney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completion of flight training and designation as a Naval Flight Officer, he reported to Patrol Squadron 31 (VP-31) at Moffet Field, Calif. for fleet replacement training in the P-3B.
Upon completion, he then reported to Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit ONE (VPU-1) at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. He served as Navigator, Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Instructor and Tactics Officer while deploying in support of Operation Desert Storm.
After receiving a jet transition and upon completion of refresher training in the S-3B Viking at Air Anti-submarine Squadron 41 (VS-41) at North Island, Calif., Feeney reported to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FIVE (VQ-5), Naval Air Station Agana, Guam in April 1993.
He served as ES-3A Detachment Operations Officer, NATOPS Officer and Mission Commander embarked on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Southern Watch. For his next assignment, he reported to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, Nev. for Carrier Airwing Tactics Instructor duty.
In November 1998, Feeney reported to Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. While assigned, he served as Detachment Officer in Charge, Operations Officer and Training Officer deploying in support of Operation Allied Force. From there he reported to the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. and received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Upon completion of his Naval War College education in March 2002, he assumed duties as Assistant Program Manager for EP-3, VPU and Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) training systems for Program Manager, Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205), Patuxent River, Md.
In May 2005 Feeney reported to Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE (VPU-1) as Executive Office and assumed Command in March 2006. During his command tour, his squadron provided combat support to U.S. and allied forces engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His command was awarded the Battle E and the Aircraft Maintenance Golden Wrench.
Upon completion of his command tour, he returned to Patuxent River, Md. and reported to Program Executive Officer, Air ASW, Assault and Special Missions Programs (PMA-290) serving as Deputy Program Manager for Electronic Warfare / Special Mission Aircraft. In this capacity, he was responsible for acquisition and life-cycle support of Navy EP-3E and VPU aircraft. Under his guidance, PMA-290 fielded Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) upgrades in direct response to Secretary of Defense Task Force ISR tasking.
Feeney has accumulated more than 3,900 flight hours and 165 carrier landings. He is designated an Acquisition Professional, holds a Master of Business Administration degree from New Hampshire College and his awards include a three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal and various other campaign and unit commendations.
Source: NAVAIR