JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — Capt. David Neall assumed command as program manager of the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Program Office (PMA-251) from Capt. Michael Kline during a change of command ceremony Aug. 13.
Rear Adm. Joseph Hornbuckle, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (Aviation) Carrier Strike, presided over the ceremony, praising Kline for driving critical fleet advancements, including streamlining key industrial base contracts and accelerating testing velocity to ensure uninterrupted flight deck readiness across the carrier fleet.
“Timber has led the ALRE team to deliver incredible results, sharpening the cutting edge of our national defense,” said Hornbuckle.
Throughout his four-year tenure, Kline led a diverse workforce of more than 800 military, civilian, contractor and industry partners to secure safe, rapid flight operations for the Navy and Marine Corps. In recognition of this impactful service, he was presented with the Legion of Merit at the ceremony, marking the culmination of nearly 30 years of naval service.
"The output of this team is measured in the safe, rapid launch and recovery of aircraft on flight decks around the world,” said Kline. “Every member of PMA-251 has directly contributed to the Fleet’s warfighting edge, and I am proud of the readiness we’ve delivered together.”
Capt. David Neall assumes command of PMA-251 coming from leadership roles in flight test, acquisition and operational fleet—bringing a wealth of experience to the program.
Addressing the ALRE workforce for the first time as program manager, Neall emphasized that the program office will maintain a relentless focus on reducing technology development timelines and strengthening industrial base partnerships to field advanced launch and recovery technologies faster.
"Now, more than ever, this program needs to be laser-focused on partnering with our stakeholders and industry partners to deliver reliable launch and recovery capability to our Fleet, with speed," Neall said. "I’m deeply honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this talented workforce at such a critical time in our Navy’s history."
Hosting the ceremony inside Hangar One at Lakehurst Naval Air Station served as a powerful tribute to the program’s roots while highlighting its future. As the epicenter of naval aviation test and engineering, the ALRE workforce at Lakehurst continues a century-long legacy of delivering the technological advancements that ensure safe, rapid flight operations—projecting power and maintaining global deterrence from the flight deck in support of PMA-251’s portfolio.
PMA-251 is responsible for the lifecycle acquisition management of the Navy and Marine Corps’ ALRE systems, ensuring launch and recovery of current and future fixed and rotary wing aircraft.