Aug. 5, 2025 —
Rear Adm. Michael Campbell, then-Coast Guard assistant commandant for acquisition; Capt. Jessica Behera, departing commanding officer (CO) of the Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC); Capt. Ryan Angelo, new APAC CO; and Chief Petty Officer Casey Green, APAC Quality Assurance head, representing the APAC enlisted workforce; during the change of command ceremony. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
Capt. Ryan Angelo assumed the duties of commanding officer of the Coast Guard Aviation Projects Acquisition Center (APAC) on June 26, 2025. The change of command ceremony, held at the facility in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was presided over by Rear Adm. Michael Campbell, then-Coast Guard assistant commandant for acquisition. Angelo relieved the former commanding officer, Capt. Jessica Behera.
Change of command ceremonies are time-honored military traditions that mark the transfer of responsibility and authority from one individual to another and demonstrate the continuity of authority within a command. During Behera’s three-year tenure as APAC commanding officer, the APAC transitioned from a center focused primarily on missionization of the C-27J fleet to a critical component supporting the acquisition and sustainment needs of all Coast Guard aviation assets.
Behera fostered a systems-focused approach, integrating APAC across all aviation lines of effort. This enabled better support for all aviation assets undergoing acquisition activities and provided crucial change management for the entire aviation fleet. For example, APAC has emerged as the preferred organization to lead air station transitions, including moving from the MH-65E to the MH-60 helicopter. In addition, APAC now supports initiatives to deploy unmanned aircraft systems on Coast Guard cutters for maritime domain awareness and land-based operations, expanding the service’s UAS capabilities.
Angelo takes over command of the unit after serving as APAC executive officer since June 2022.