PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J.—On March 19, the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) established the Project Director Joint Ammunition and Weapons Systems (PD JAWS) Office during an assumption of charter ceremony at Picatinny Arsenal. Frank Altamura stepped into the role as PD JAWS' inaugural director.
PD JAWS emerges from the merger of PD Joint Bombs, established in 2009, and PD Demilitarization, created in 2002. This consolidation is aimed at enhancing the authority delegated by the Secretary of Defense as the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition, encompassing not only the procurement of critical munitions but also the management of conventional ammunition and missile demilitarization for the Joint Services.
Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition, underscored PD JAWS ability to adapt to evolving threats stating, "PD JAWS has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate and excel in the face of adversity. From adapting to evolving threats to meeting the demands of modern warfare, the team has faced numerous challenges and overcome them with resilience and determination.” Reim then emphasized the role of PD JAWS in supporting the Department of Defense's strategic objectives with providing credible deterrence and countering potential aggression from near peer adversaries such as China and Russia, before welcoming Altamura and highlighting his experience as a leader.
“Frank brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as the Project Director,” he said. “Dr. Smith and I have consistently witnessed Frank lead with integrity, innovation, and excellence. We have full confidence in his abilities and will be expecting continued great things from him in his new position.”
Altamura’s career in the civil service began as an engineer for the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Command Armaments Center, formerly known as ARDEC. He held various technical leadership positions before assuming the role of Product Director, Special Ammunition and Weapon System, where he implemented acquisition changes and DoD policy and regulation adjustments. Notably, he expedited the delivery of Former Soviet Union munitions to foreign partners, significantly reducing delivery time and saving taxpayer money, earning him the prestigious David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.
Following his graduation from the Picatinny Senior Service College, Altamura quickly progressed from Deputy Product Manager Terrain Shaping Obstacles in 2022 to Acting Deputy Program Manager Close Combat Systems in 2024 before receiving management authority of PD JAWS.
In his speech Altamura thanked his wife, Donna, for being by his side and encouraging him to attend school. “Donna, I want to thank you for being there for me since we first met, and for your continued support as I take on this new challenge as Project Director for JAWS,” he said. “To my team at PD JAWS, I am thrilled and honored to have been chosen to lead this team and to bring it to new heights. Let’s continue our efforts supporting the Joint Force and placing our Joint Warfighters first.”
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