James Geurts, former acquisition executive at the U.S. Special Operations Command, has officially assumed the role of assistant U.S. Navy secretary for research, development and acquisition during a swearing-in ceremony, USNI News reported Tuesday.
Geurts said in a statement that he looks forward to collaborating with civilian, military, industry and academic partners to equip and support the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
In his previous role, Geurts oversaw all special operations forces acquisition, technology and logistics activities.
He previously held various leadership positions at USSOCOM such as deputy director of the Special Operations Research, Development and Acquisition Center; commander of the Joint Acquisition Task Force – Dragon; and program executive officer for fixed-wing aircraft.
Geurts joined the U.S. Air Force in 1987, where he held numerous engineering and program management leadership roles under multiple weapon systems programs before he retired in 2009 with the rank of colonel.