Lieutenant General Gregory Masiello assumes leadership of F-35 Joint Program Office

Duffy commended Schmidt for his contributions to the F-35 programme, stating, “Under [Lt.] Gen. Schmidt’s leadership, the F-35 has solidified its position as the free world’s backbone of air superiority and as a key guarantor of peace through strength.” He added, “For his accomplishments and a lifetime of service and leadership, [Lt.] Gen. Schmidt has my deepest appreciation, respect, and best wishes.”

Since assuming the role of Program Executive Officer (PEO) in 2022, Schmidt led over 3,500 personnel in the delivery of more than 350 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. His tenure also saw the addition of four new foreign military sales customers, the training of over 1,000 pilots and 6,000 maintainers, and the programme’s milestone achievement of one million flight hours.

Reflecting on his service, Schmidt said, “My time as the F-35 JPO’s program executive officer would not have been successful without the dedicated employees and service members who truly are the driving force behind the program.” He continued, “While there are always going to be areas for improvement and growth, they are the reason the F-35 remains, and will continue to be, the most lethal and effective platform the U.S. and its partners depend on.”

Lieutenant General Schmidt retires after more than 34 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony also marked the formal beginning of Lieutenant General Masiello’s leadership as the new PEO of the F-35 JPO.

“I’m honored to be taking command of the F-35 Joint Program Office and grateful to Lt. Gen. Schmidt for all he has done for this incredible program,” said Masiello. “I look forward to serving with this dedicated and winning team, and I know we are ready to continue to support the U.S. and our allies with this world-class platform.”

Masiello, a 1987 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval aviator, most recently served as director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. His previous roles include key leadership positions in F-35 development, Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, the V-22 Joint Program Office, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

The F-35 Joint Program Office is responsible for the development, delivery, and sustainment of the F-35 Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fifth-generation weapons system.