Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao has appointed Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker to lead Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maritime, the office responsible for the Navy’s surface-ship acquisition efforts.
Cao said President Donald Trump had given him a mandate to build the “Golden Fleet,” describing Rucker as the right leader to strengthen accountability and speed up the US shipbuilding system.
Office oversees surface-fleet programs
In his new role, Rucker will lead the Navy’s surface-ship acquisition efforts across the shipbuilding enterprise. The portfolio includes aircraft carriers, combatants and auxiliary vessels.
Rucker said the Navy and Marine Corps need ships delivered quickly, with the capability and quality required to maintain the United States’ competitive advantage.
Part of wider acquisition reform
PAE Maritime is one of five Portfolio Acquisition Executive organizations established by the Navy in March as part of a broader acquisition reform initiative across the services.
A prominent program under its remit is the Medium Landing Ship, or LSM, program. Last week, Hanwha Defense USA was awarded the right to build a new vessel under a $269 million deal.
Leadership transition
Before the appointment, Rucker had served since April as director of design and construction for the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines. He previously served as Program Executive Officer for Attack Submarines.
Rucker succeeds Chris Miller, PAE Maritime’s inaugural chief. On October 13, Cao appointed Miller to serve concurrently as PAE and Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems.
