SUBJ/AVIATION BOATSWAIN’S MATE ASSOCIATION (ABMA) ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL WORKING GROUP//

POC/LCDR S. YACCARINO/AC HANDLER/CNAP N73/SAN DIEGO CA
TEL: 619-545-1556
EMAIL: STEPHEN.V.YACCARINO.MIL@US.NAVY.MIL//

RMKS/

1. This message announces the Fifty-Fifth Annual Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Association (ABMA) Professional Working Group, to be held 20–24 July 2026 at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, 425 Water Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704.

2. For over 50 years, ABMA has served as the leading forum for advancing safety and operational improvements across aviation flight deck systems. This Professional Working Group focuses on fostering collaboration between industry, government, and fleet experts across aviation deck system disciplines, including fuel systems, aircraft handling, firefighting/rescue, and aircraft launch and recovery systems. ABMA also addresses initiatives that enhance naval aviation safety, training, and readiness aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, air-capable ships, and shore facilities.

2.a. This support is reinforced through a partnership agreement signed in 2013 between Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and ABMA. This collaboration has led to significant improvements, including equipment upgrades, enhanced training programs, and updated procedures, strengthening flight operations and safety both at sea and ashore.

2.b. Results from each workshop are formally submitted as action items to the Naval Aviation Enterprise as recommendations for improvement. These recommendations are considered during budget planning to ensure fleet requirements are addressed and aligned with long-term program objectives, supporting continued operational effectiveness.

3. Commands are requested to fully support and participate in the Professional Working Group. Fleet feedback is essential to advancing Naval Aviation Enterprise safety goals and improving processes related to equipment repair procedures, training, and policy development. All attending active-duty personnel on orders must have their orders stamped at check-in, establishing the Working Group as their assigned place of duty for the duration of the event.

4. Registration for active-duty personnel on orders will be held from 0730 to 1600 on Monday, 20 July 2026. The opening ceremony will begin at 0800 the same day at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel.

Uniform requirements are as follows:

• Opening and closing ceremonies: Summer White uniform

• Workshops:

  • E-7 and above: Service Khaki

  • E-6 and below: Navy Service Uniform or equivalent

  • Civilians: Business casual

Workshop sessions will be conducted throughout the week. Additional details and the full agenda will be provided at check-in.

5. Action

5.a. Commands are requested to submit ABMA workshop agenda items via email to their respective TYCOM/workshop coordinators no later than 1 June 2026. Agenda item format guidance is available at: https://www.abma-usn.org/events or upon request.

Designated coordinators:

(1) ABE Workshop

• COMNAVAIRSYSCOM: CWO5 D. Fair, 321-947-6045
  dorian.t.fair.mil@us.navy.mil

• COMNAVAIRPAC: CWO4 J. Abbey, 619-545-1501
  joseph.p.abbey.mil@us.navy.mil

• USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75): ABEC Mikkos Thonas
  mikos.thonas@cvn75.navy.mil

(2) ABF Workshop

• COMAFLOATRAGRU Atlantic: CWO5 D. Stottlemeyer, 757-444-0832
  dennis.w.stottlemyer2.mil@us.navy.mil

• USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75): ABFC Jamie Baker, 757-770-6684
  jamie.baker@cvn75.navy.mil

(3) ABH Workshop

• NATTC Pensacola: CWO5 H. Arroyo, 850-452-7600
  hector.m.arroyo.mil@us.navy.mil

• USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75): ABHC Ernesto Riviera
  ernesto.riviera@cvn75.navy.mil

(4) Shore-Based Recovery / Visual Landing Aids Workshop

• CAFSU: S. Carter, 757-469-5449
  shawn.d.carter16.civ@us.navy.mil

• CAFSU: C. Mansson, 757-805-6110
  johan.m.mansson.civ@us.navy.mil

5.b. TYCOM/workshop coordinators will consolidate agenda items and forward them to NAVAIR PMA-251 Fleet Liaison, CWO5 D. Fair.

6. Recommended lodging locations include:

• Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, Portsmouth, VA

• Click Here For Reservations

Reservations are handled individually. Attendees may book through the provided Marriott link.

Additional lodging options:

• NGIS: 877-628-9233 or https://ngis.dodlodging.net

• Navy Lodge: 800-628-9466 or https://navy-lodge.com

7. ABMA Professional Working Group POC:
LCDR Mark Rodriguez, 757-836-6366
mark.a.rodriguez1.mil@us.navy.mil

8. Request widest possible dissemination.

BT
#0169