The Aerospace Industries Association has named Rear Adm. Craig E. Steidle to the position of vice president of international affairs. He joins AIA from NASA where he was the associate administrator for the Office of Exploration Systems, a position created in January 2004 to implement the nation’s Vision for Space Exploration. In his new position Steidle will be responsible for spearheading industry efforts to promote government policies that support exports, avoid protectionism, and foster fair principles of international trade. Steidle will join the association in early July. He replaces Joel L. Johnson, who announced plans to depart AIA in April 2005.
“Craig will be a tremendous addition to the association,” said AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass. “His experience managing international defense programs will be a great asset as we continue to pursue reform of the U.S. export control system and other regulatory and legislative remedies to allow our industry to conduct business on a level playing field in the global marketplace.”
“Craig replaces an individual who has a wellspring of knowledge about the industry and the issues and has worked tirelessly during his 16 year tenure at AIA,” said Douglass. “Joel has many accomplishments to his credit. He played a major role in establishing a highly cooperative relationship between industry, government, and the military services in promoting international defense sales that are consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives.”
In addition to his contributions at NASA, Steidle has had a distinguished career in the U.S. military. He commanded the Navy’s F/A-18 Program, naval aviation’s largest production, research and development program, as well as the largest foreign military sales program. He also was the director of the Defense Department’s Joint Advanced Strike Technology Office and was the director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program, DoD’s largest program. Under his leadership, the Joint Strike Fighter Program was awarded the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.
Steidle, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, trained as an attack pilot, flew carrier night combat missions in North Vietnam; served as a test pilot and test pilot instructor; and commanded the Navy’s A-3 weapon systems program. During the 1980’s, he deployed on carriers, frigates, and cruisers in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Additionally, he served as manager of the Navy’s Aerospace Engineers and as the special assistant for Air Combat to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
Steidle has a Master of Science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
His decorations and honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Navy Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; Air Medals with bronze star; Navy Commendation Medals; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
