Speaker: Kenneth H. Kingsmore


filler

Kenneth H. Kingsmore is a South Carolina native with a BS Degree from Clemson University and a MA Degree from Central Michigan University. As an Air Force officer, he flew fighter aircraft throughout his career including extensive combat missions during the Southeast Asia Era. Beyond aviation, Ken gained broad experience in command and control, air defense and management of long-range radar assets during his military career that spanned over 28 years.

Since 1985, Ken has served as a DoD Executive Agent representing all military services under National Agreements (NAT-614) and (NAT-914) with the FAA that governed the Joint Radar Planning Group (JRPG). The (DoD and FAA) JRPG managed the Joint Surveillance System (JSS) assets (long range border radars and supporting equipment) for the perimeter surveillance of the contiguous 48 states, all of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Following “9-11,” major changes were made as to how the DoD and FAA executed business in support of the air defense of America. The management structure of the DoD team with Mr. Kingsmore at the helm changed very little from his level down through the air defense sector. The FAA, however, implemented numerous changes from their top manager to the lowest level of participation. About the same time, Congress expanded the air defense mission for NORAD requiring the Air Force to be prepared to servile inward as well as external. The major FAA management structure change and the increase in the air defense surveillance mission pushed a rewrite of the National Agreement. During the negotiations for a new agreement the FAA demanded a name change for the joint organization and a new agreement number (120) was assigned. The new name Joint NAS (National Airspace System) Defense Planning Group (JNDPG) and the new agreement NAT-120 are still in effect.

Mr. Kingsmore’s responsibilities and authority were expanded again in 2005 when the DoD/DHS Long Range Radar Joint Program Office (LRR JPO) was formed under his (DoD) and Mr. Russell Wright’s (DHS) management. The LRR JPO was created to establish relationships between the DoD/DHS Offices of Primary Responsibility for oversight and management of the Operations and Maintenance of the LRR and associated air navigation, surveillance and communications systems as well as the Service Life Extension Program of the legacy radars.

Mr. Kingsmore continues his effort as a member of the Director of Air and Space Operations staff and manager of both the JNDPG and the LRR JPO. The major issue at this time is his efforts in the Sustainment of Air Defense and Homeland Security Radars.