Mike Hiles, BAMS-D chief engineer at Pax River, gives a presentation about the program’s mission and capabilities to middle school students participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program.

These milestones add up to more than 50 percent of maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in theater, a success that is greatly attributed to BAMS-D lead engineer Michael Hiles at Pax River.

Hiles, BAMS-D class desk and chief engineer, has been the engineering focal point for the team for nine years, overseeing more than 100 staff members, and facilitating the continuation of a demonstration program with the addition of an operational mission capability.

‘‘Taking a demonstration system and getting it ready and approved by the Navy for long-term overseas combat operations is an enormous accomplishment,” said Capt. Bob Dishman, program manager for Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PMA-262), which oversees the BAMS-D program.

Hiles is responsible for leading the first U.S. Navy⁄U.S. Air Force joint operational aircraft in and out of the operational theater from Pax River. His engineering coordination of logistics, maintenance and operations validated Joint Service synergies and improved support for warfighting operations overseas, saving millions of dollars for both services, according to Dishman.

While managing his daily engineering workload to ensure the fielded system is effectively operating and readily available, Hiles has given up weekends and holidays to perform as a primary crew member on operational missions. ‘‘Hiles and his team are as close to active duty as you can get without being in uniform,” Dishman said.

The team operates in a unique environment. Unlike most operational aircraft, BAMS-D was deployed overseas directly from Pax River by a primarily civilian and contractor team. Many team members, including Hiles who has 23 years, have prior military experience. This skilled team is responsible for test and evaluation as well as supporting the operational mission in Central Command.

‘‘No one person, company or service is responsible for the success that our team has achieved. We enjoy the trust of our leadership that allows us to think outside the box, while providing enough stick and rudder to keep our eyes on the goal,” said Hiles.

While one BAMS-D aircraft is deployed in CENTCOM, the second aircraft is undergoing maintenance in preparation for a potential mission to support continued relief efforts in Haiti this year.

‘‘Our team operates in five geographically dispersed locations separated by 16 time zones worldwide, supported by nine companies, two government services and two military services, all operating with a single goal: to provide the warfighter with a product that works. Our team truly epitomizes the term ‘global enterprise’,” added Hiles.

(Submitted by Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons public affairs)