Ms. Steffanie Easter, former Army Acquisition Executive and current Vice Director, Navy Staff, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, applies Mr. Martin's retirement pin during his retirement ceremony, held Jan. 31 in Myer Auditorium. (U.S. Army ph...
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Feb. 2, 2018) -- The Army organization shaping tactical network materiel development welcomed a new leader Jan. 30.
The Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) officially changed hands when outgoing Program Executive Officer Gary Martin passed the organization's charter to Maj. Gen. David Bassett.
Bruce Jette, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and Army Acquisition Executive, hosted the change of charter ceremony at APG's Myer Auditorium. Jette spoke highly of the organization's current state as a result of Martin's leadership and said Bassett is inheriting an unrivaled workforce.
"Gary, you can be very proud of your team. Their contributions are at work in every theater of operation. No other PEO can claim that," Jette said. "Since 2015, Mr. Martin has led a first-rate workforce. To get such a diverse team with such big challenges to move in the same direction is commendable, and I know this is going to be a true challenge for Major General Bassett."
PEO C3T has a workforce of more than 1,600 personnel who develop, deliver and support 23 major Army programs that bring information dominance for current and future Soldiers, and enable readiness to "fight tonight."
Bassett comes to PEO C3T after serving as the PEO for Ground Combat Systems at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, since September 2013. He was responsible for the lifecycle management of the Army's ground combat vehicles. He'll take over PEO C3T's $2.3 billion portfolio and lead materiel development to support the Army's network modernization strategy.
"Major General Bassett is one of the smartest guys I know. He's a signal officer, smarter than me in the world of software and he brings a level of intellect this organization is going to need," Martin said.
Through a collaborative effort across the requirements, materiel and operational communities, the program office is supporting the development and delivery of the Army's four identified network modernization lines of effort to improve the network. In fiscal year 2018, PEO C3T fielding teams are delivering improved and cyber resilient mission command software and hardware to more than 200 Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard units, and will bring all units to one common mission command software baseline by the end of next year. In addition, the organization is fielding advanced situational awareness capability through Joint Battle Command-Platform to more than 30 units.
"It's hard to come in after a leader like Gary who makes it look so easy, as he has effortlessly coordinated across large organizations to make hard things possible for our Army," Bassett said. "I'm humbled to have the opportunity to lead this organization -- a team of professionals who are out there integrating our Army's tactical network."
Martin was also recognized during a ceremony on Jan. 31 hosted by Steffanie Easter, former AAE and current Vice Director, Navy Staff, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He retired after 34 years of military and federal service, and thanked a long list of people who supported and mentored him along the way. Easter called Martin a "difference maker" while lauding his accomplishments throughout his career.
"Since I first met Mr. Martin it has been obvious that he has been on the forefront of making dramatic changes in the area of communications within the Army," she said. "Through his leadership, PEO C3T has enjoyed a successful run of providing our Soldiers the network equipment they need, when they need it, so that they can have dominate communications."
Martin described his career coming full-circle and what it meant to end it where it all began.
"I started my career at the Satellite Communications Agency and at the time, in the early days of acquisition and when formation of the PEOs was just beginning, the organization ended up being folded into what initially was PEO Communications," Martin said. "To be able to finish my career here has been an absolute pleasure."
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The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army's mission command network to ensure force readiness. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. PEO C3T is delivering the network to regions around the globe, enabling high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to a user base that includes the Army's joint, coalition and other mission partners.
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U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical
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