By Kelly M. Burdick, Fleet Readiness Centers Command/AIR 6.0 Public Affairs Office
NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md.—The assistant commander for Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, logistics and industrial operations made naval history with her promotion to flag officer during a ceremony Aug. 1 at NAS Patuxent River.
With her new rank, CJ Jaynes became the Navy's 79th woman promoted to rear admiral, as well as the first woman at NAVAIR and in the Navy's aerospace maintenance duty officer community to achieve flag officer status, said NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Architzel.
"CJ's a motivator and a visionary, continuously developing and finding innovative ways to meet every challenge put in front of her," said Architzel, who presided over the promotion ceremony.
Hundreds of co-workers, family and friends witnessed the promotion of the Greensburg, Pa., native, who said the honor was not earned alone.
"I owe a great deal of thanks to my peers, mentors, the wonderful Navy family with whom I've served, and the unfailing support of my friends and family," she said. "I am very fortunate to have such a solid support network."
As AIR 6.0, Jaynes supports all naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. She is also responsible for overseeing logistics support efforts for both fielded and developmental aviation systems.
Her Navy career includes operational tours with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Departments in Mayport, Fla., and Diego Garcia and Lemoore, Calif.; with Training Squadron (VT) 86 in Pensacola, Fla.; Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 in Jacksonville, Fla.; and officer-in-charge Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific.
Her acquisition tours include the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit in Philadelphia; the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (PMA-290); F/A-18 Program Integrator Defense Contract Management Command Northrop Grumman, El Segundo, Calif.; and with NAVAIR in Patuxent River. She's also done several tours with the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265); Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202); and Naval Air Traffic Management Systems (PMA-213).
Jaynes received a master's degree in business administration from Norwich University in 2008. Her awards include two Legions of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with a Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous unit awards.