Statement from Bennett Croswell, President, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, on Leadership Changes for F-35 Program

Pratt & Whitney would like to thank Admiral Venlet for his leadership and valued partnership as the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for the F-35 program. Under his leadership, the F-35 has successfully made its way through an important period of the development phase and continues to make progress on achieving critical testing milestones.

With early production now leading to operations at Eglin Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, pilots and maintainers are now getting hands-on experience and seeing the true capabilities of the aircraft and the F135 engine. Admiral Venlet's leadership has been a great service to the program, to our allies, and to our nation, and we congratulate him on his retirement and more than 36 years of distinguished military service.

We also congratulate the new PEO, Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan and Deputy PEO, Rear Adm. Randy Mahr, as they continue to build upon the strong foundation that has been set, and we look forward to a strong continuing partnership for the F-35 program's future success.

Click here to read a related story from the F-35 Joint Program Office.