U.S. Navy News Feed

Answering the Call: How PAE SSP is Forging the Future of Sea-Based Deterrence

Shelby Thompson — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMT

The U.S. Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) is spearheading a massive modernization of its sea-based nuclear weapon system to meet the nation's future defense needs.

PAE SSP STEM Volunteer Supports Anacostia High School Robotics Team

Thomas Jones — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:36:59 GMT

At Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), a unique commitment is placed on developing the command’s future workforce, especially from the ground level. The volunteers of PAE SSP’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) team take that commitment to the next level, supporting the future generation of engineers in the local metropolitan community.

Vice Adm. Douglas L. Williams Relieves Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr. at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs Change of Command Ceremony

Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs Public Affairs — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:38:00 GMT

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – On June 12, 2026, Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) held a joint retirement and Change of Command ceremony at Admiral Leutze Park, recognizing the transfer of leadership from Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., to Vice Adm. Douglas L. Williams. The honorable William Mahan, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, presided over the event and former Commander of U.S. Strategic Command Adm. Charles “Chas” Richard (ret.) delivered remarks as the keynote speaker.

PAE SSP’s Reverse SWS Week Creates a Bridge to the Future for Missile Techs

Shelby Thompson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:29:21 GMT

“Who here is afraid of heights,” asked the industry liaison leading submariners across the production floor of a Northrup Grumman facility. Sailors participating in Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Reverse Strategic Weapons System (SWS) Week between May 18-22 were met with this question on their first morning of hands-on engagement with industry counterparts as they received an inside look at the production of the Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) missile launch tubes. Peering down into the 35-foot pit in the factory floor that supports the production and testing of the launch tubes, Sailors found themselves face-to-face with the raw parts of the same weapon system they operated while on strategic patrol.

Navy Missile Technician Receives Award for Exceptional Support to Fleet Training Opportunity

Shelby Thompson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:25:49 GMT

Travis Air Force Base – Chief Petty Officer Darren Hallhuz , a missile technician assigned to Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Global Threat Reduction Directorate (GT), receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on May 20, 2026 at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. The award was presented by Lt. Col. Ronald J. Barnhart, DTRA GT’s Travis commanding officer, on behalf of Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs Program Management Office (PMO) Flight Systems detachment (SPF(S)) in recognition of Hallhuz’s exceptional support to the U.S. Navy submarine force throughout SPF(S)’ Reverse Strategic Weapons Systems (SWS) Week.

Meet the Team: Jose Balderrama, Engineer, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs

Edvin Hernandez — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:24:39 GMT

Jose Balderrama, an engineer at Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), didn’t consider pursuing a degree in engineering until his older sister nudged him in the right the direction.

PAE SSP's Newcomer Onboarding Workshop Demonstrates PAE SSP's Relationship to the Wider DOW

Thomas Jones — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:23:00 GMT

At Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), workforce development is a key priority for delivering continued strategic deterrence capabilities to America’s warfighting Navy. The command, which is headquartered in Washington D.C., takes a proactive approach to training its team members, who are the difference-makers in sustaining and modernizing the Navy’s premier strategic weapon system and regional strike capabilities.

PAE SSP’s Rear Adm. Michael Richman Presides Over Funeral Honors for WWII Sailor, Remains Identified by DPAA

Shelby Thompson — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:08:15 GMT

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Rear Adm. Michael Richman, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) for Regional Deterrence, presided over the funeral of Seaman 1st Class Wayne Edward Newton at Grandview Cemetery on May 16, 2026.

Senate Confirms Military Promotion for New Director of Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs

Pentagon News — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:07:12 GMT

On May 19, 2026, the U.S. Senate confirmed the military promotion of Rear Adm. Douglas L. Williams

Director of Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs Recognizes Six Individuals for Outstanding Contribution to Strategic Deterrence Mission

Shelby Thompson — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:38:11 GMT

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), presented awards to the recipients of the 2026 Director’s Awards and 2026 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Lifetime Achievement Awards at the biannual Steering Task Group Meeting on May 13, 2026. Wolfe presented two Director’s Award and four FBM Lifetime Achievement Awards to some of its most experienced leaders.

PAE SSP Employees Bring Their Children to Work

Edvin Hernandez — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:21:00 GMT

How many kids truly know what their parents do for work? Some might have an idea, but perhaps most have a difficult time explaining it.

PAE SSP Announces 2025 Sailor of the Year

Shelby Thompson — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:17:48 GMT

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, Jr, director of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), announced the SSP enterprise Sailor of the Year on April 17.

PAE SSP Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week, DIRSSP Pays Tribute to Federal Workforce

Edvin Hernandez — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:44:28 GMT

This year, May 3-9 marks the annual Public Service Recognition Week, a campaign that honors the contributions of employees across the government workforce at federal, state, and local levels.

SSP Celebrates Month of Military Child

Edvin Hernandez — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:15:10 GMT

Every April, the Department of War (DoW) celebrates the Month of the Military Child, recognizing the important role military children play in the armed forces community. While the nation’s warfighters are protecting the homeland and her interests around the world, the children of U.S. military servicemembers make sacrifices that effect their daily life.

One Team, One Fight: PAE SSP and DTRA Execute Knowledge Transfer Initiative

Shelby Thompson — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:23:00 GMT

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Servicemembers assigned to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Global Threat Reduction Directorate (GT) and Sailors from U.S. Navy Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) spent a week engaging in cross-program knowledge transfer March 23-27.

The Evolution of Strategic Systems Programs Across 70 years

Edvin Hernandez — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:12:29 GMT

When Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) was established in 1955 at the request of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, an unprecedented challenge was assigned to the Navy command: to work with the U.S. Army to host the Jupiter missile on a Navy vessel.

Army and Navy Continue Tests of Hypersonic Missile

Department of War — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:02:00 GMT

The U.S. Army's Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy's Portfolio

SSP NOW Presents: Building a More Agile and Efficient Workforce Through Targeted Learning

Shelby Thompson — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:42:37 GMT

Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) is in a period of historic growth, advancing new strategic deterrence capabilities in support of America’s warfighting Navy. To meet these demands and enhance the command's overall efficiency, a targeted training initiative titled "SSP Newcomer Onboarding Workshop (NOW) Presents," is empowering both new and seasoned employees with the knowledge they need to succeed.

SSP’s Deputy Director for Regional Strike Systems Speaks to the NREDO Community

Thomas Jones — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:35:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Strategic Systems Programs’ (SSP) Rear Adm. Michael Richman, the deputy director for Regional Strike Systems and the Navy’s senior-most reserve EDO, spoke to Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officers (NREDOs) on January 27 in Washington, D.C., and discussed the efforts of those serving in this critical community. Engineering Duty Officers (EDOs) serve as the technical experts of the U.S. Navy, keeping fleets moving forward through a combination of effective leadership and engineering expertise.

SSP’s Chief Engineer Keeps ‘Finger on the Pulse’ of Strategic Deterrence Modernization

Shelby Thompson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:51:21 GMT

National Engineers Week is a nationwide celebration of the engineering profession dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. During the 2026 observance taking place February 22-28, SSP is highlighting the engineering workforce supporting the strategic deterrence mission.