Lexington Park, Md. – There comes a time in everyone’s career when they reach the point of retirement. For one such employee at AVIAN, he’s stood the watch in uniform and as a civilian; he’s served his country proudly and shaped the very fabric of AVIAN’s culture and values.
This February, we celebrate and honor Peter Papa, a thirteen-year AVIAN employee, as he transitioned to the good life, retirement.
But this isn’t Pete’s first retirement. Before joining AVIAN in 2011, Pete retired from the U.S. Navy at the rank of Commander after serving 21 years in various roles, including an H-60 Pilot, Department Head, Detachment Officer in Charge, Test Pilot, and Program Management Professional (AEDO).
Since he embarked on his remarkable journey with AVIAN, Pete has contributed significantly to the success of the PMA-299 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Over the years, Pete served in various roles such as the Senior Program Management Analyst, Senior Engineer, and Test Engineer.
Later, he transitioned to the Mission Systems Test and Evaluation Division, making impactful contributions to various aircraft, including the MH-53E, CH-53E, and CH-53K. Throughout this period, Pete excelled as the Senior Flight Test Engineer and Mission Systems Lead Engineer and was highly sought-after for his extensive knowledge and his approach.
Although AVIAN wasn’t formed until 2005, Papa has been connected to AVIAN for over thirty-five years.
The year was 1989, and a young U.S. Navy Lt. Kevin Switick, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of AVIAN, was checking into his first fleet squadron, the Proud Warriors of HSL-42, in Mayport, Florida. While there, Kevin became fast friends with an older, wiser aviator, Lt. Pete Papa, who took him under his wing and showed him the ropes. Shortly after that, Pete left for the Naval Post Graduate School to get a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
Fast forward to 1991, and the young Lt. Switick, found himself arriving home from Desert Storm and checking into the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) aboard the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
Upon check in, Switick ran into the ol’ wise aviator from his first squadron, Lt. Pete Papa, who was also checking into the same USNTPS Class, Class 101 – The Dalmatians. The two were best friends ever since. Later down the line, Pete reached out to Kevin with an interest in joining the AVIAN team, Kevin worked some of his magic and the rest is history!
After 13 incredible years, AVIAN said ‘so long for now’ to one of its teammates who was there for us at the very beginning of our company; someone who helped shape our "we take care of each other” culture the way he took care of a young Lt. Switick so many years ago.
What we’ve learned from Pete over the years is that there is always time to be a great mentor and friend; someone who will always pick up the phone, give someone a call and talk through a sticky situation; or to help someone in need.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Pete! We have the watch…
About AVIAN, LLC
AVIAN (*ae-v-yin*) is an employee-owned government services small business headquartered in Lexington Park, Maryland, with annual revenues exceeding $68 million.
We are resourceful, responsive, and reachable for our clients in program, financial, and logistics management; engineering and systems engineering; test and evaluation of manned and unmanned aerial, surface, and sub-surface systems; workforce development and training; and communication strategy and graphic design.
Our philosophy is simple. We care for our employees. Our employees care for our customers. Our customers care to return. Simply put, we take care of each other.
For more information, visit www.avian.com
