NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — As the AV-8B continues to sundown, the AV-8B Weapons Systems Program Office (PMA-257) officially transferred command April 1 from Col. Mark “Ammo” Amspacher to Capt. Gregory “Mancub” Sutton.
Sutton now serves as program manager for both the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) and PMA-257. Also holding a dual leadership role with both programs is the principal deputy program manager, Sam Hotz.
The AV-8B Harrier II+ is scheduled to take its final flight in 2026, at which time the Navy will deactivate PMA-257 and integrate its remaining personnel into PMA-226.
“We are all leaders, and we must collectively set the conditions, climate and culture for a high-performing, winning team to deliver mission outcomes. Ammo has done this during his tenure as the PMA-257 program manager. His integrity, passion for the warfighter and expertise set a tone of excellence for the entire program,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. “Mancub, as you take command of this incredible team, the Harrier will continue its journey to sundown. With you and Sam at the helm, I’m confident Harrier Nation will continue to thrive
with quality leadership.”
“I feel very privileged to lead the outstanding team at PMA-257,” Sutton said. “They have been doing a phenomenal job ensuring our Marines have safe and ready AV-8B Harriers to fly all the way through its last deployment.”
The event also honored Amspacher’s retirement after 26 years with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Since July 2021, Amspacher has led the PMA-257 team through obstacles that come with a retiring platform, from a diminishing supplier base and engine readiness to inventory and manpower issues.
Amspacher’s proactive guidance and creative solutions boosted Harrier readiness using methods that will sustain the platform through end of service while realizing millions in cost savings. Through a holistic approach, the team fostered a collaborative environment driving Harrier mission capable rates to the highest levels not seen in five years. Naval Aviation Enterprise leaders recognized these efforts, gleaning best practices and lessons learned for other portfolios to implement.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about my time spent with Harrier Nation. What this team has done over the last four years is incredible,” Amspacher said. “This magnificent machine couldn’t operate without its proactive approaches to solving unique problems while always putting the warfighter first to carry the
Mighty Harrier all the way to the end.”
Amspacher, a Pennsylvania native, commissioned upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. He winged as an EA-6B Prowler pilot in 2002 and has earned numerous designations, to include weapons and tactics instructor, night systems instructor and landing signal officer.
Early in his career, Amspacher served with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VMAQ) 2 completing multiple deployments to Iraq and was a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington.
In 2009, he began the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School with Class 138, and upon graduating, Amspacher completed assignments with the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, the Marine Aviation Detachment, and program offices around NAS Patuxent River with Program Executive Office Tactical Aircraft Programs. Prior to becoming PMA-257 program manager in July 2021, he was the VX-23 commander from October 2019 to July 2021.
Amspacher has flown over 25 different aircraft, logging more than 2,600 flight hours; nearly half of those were in combat.