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    Distinguished Navy Captain Shares Leadership Lessons Prior to Retirement from F-35

    F-35 Training Lead Reflects on Career Ahead of Retirement

    Photo By Troy Lilly | U.S. Navy Capt. Jason Lopez, F-35 Training Systems and Simulation (TSS) Program...... read more read more

    CRYSTAL CITY, VA, UNITED STATES

    03.17.2021

    Story by F-35 Joint Program Office Digital Media 

    F-35 Joint Program Office

    CRYSTAL CITY, Va. (March 18, 2021) After a distinguished thirty-year career, U.S. Navy Capt. Jason Lopez (call sign “J-Lo”) will retire from military service. He leaves a positive impression on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) and its people. It only takes a short conversation with him to understand firsthand his positive attitude and enthusiasm for the F-35.

    "Attitude is vitally important when leading an organization and critical in establishing a culture of positivity and energetic execution of the organization's mission,” said Lopez. “A healthy attitude goes a long way in motivating a team towards common goals. It's vital to go above and beyond in meeting the needs of the Warfighter. Positive attitudes are essential to team-building because no matter how bad a day someone is having, interacting with a team that consistently possesses positive energy will always bring out their best and promote team cohesion."

    A native of Farmingville, New York, Capt. Lopez entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1987 to study Aerospace Engineering and received post-graduate degrees from the Defense Intelligence Agency and George Washington University. In 1994, he began his service career as a Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter pilot and instructor. Lopez then moved into program management and acquisition in 2005 at Naval Sea Systems Command and later at Naval Air Systems Command. He led the development and fielding of pilot and maintainer training systems across all Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as a Program Manager for the Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office (PMA 205) at Naval Air Systems Command.

    "While I have thoroughly enjoyed all my assignments in the Navy, my Command tours have been exceptionally rewarding. It's been incredibly satisfying and humbling to lead those organizations. I've made some wonderful long-lasting relationships and friendships in those tours," said Lopez.

    Lopez's level of dedication to training is driven by his experience with its impact on operators, support staff, and other critical team members. State-of-the-art training is vitally important because it ensures the Warfighter's success as they operate advanced military aircraft, including the F-35.

    In June 2019, Lopez was selected as the Program Manager for the new F-35 Training Systems and Simulation (TSS) Program Management Office (PMO). The TSS PMO's mission is to deliver increased lethality through training by building highly competent and prepared pilots and service members. His leadership style put people first, built resilience, and created a motivational environment.

    "Be mindful of your team and their needs, a healthy and motivated workforce can overcome any challenge to achieve success…and maintain a good sense of humor. The JPO can be a challenging environment where your humor could make each day a little better."

    As a leader at the JPO, Lopez dedicated himself to the collaboration with other JPO PMOs to best execute the duties of TSS. He is proud of the Program's organizational progress. He hopes it continues on course to become a preeminent learning organization within the Department of Defense.

    "Training cross-cuts the whole organization; interdependency is important in achieving the goals of the JPO down to the individual contributor level,” said Lopez. “This way, projects will be prioritized effectively through concise and transparent communication. I'm excited to see the level of partnership grow at all levels within the pivoted structure.”

    Lopez warmly reflects on his thirty years of naval service. He credits his family, friends, and professionals who helped him grow and maintain a positive attitude.

    "From the aircrew in my first squadron, to my current team members, and my family, especially my wife and daughter, they have each been a huge source of positive energy over the years," said Lopez.

    It is clear that Lopez has solidified the significance of training today's F-35 Warfighter for tomorrow's high-end fight.

    For more information about the F-35 JPO, visit www.jsf.mil.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.17.2021
    Date Posted: 03.18.2021 09:52
    Story ID: 391642
    Location: CRYSTAL CITY, VA, US
    Hometown: FARMINGVILLE, NY, US

    Web Views: 959
    Downloads: 1

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