Mr. John H. Pearson is currently performing the duties of (PTDO) the Deputy Director, Air Warfare for the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), Office of the Secretary of War. In this capacity, he is directly responsible for the adequacy of operational test (OT) and live fire test and evaluation for air warfare systems, including aircraft, air-launched weapons, electronic warfare, countermeasures, and command and control within the Department of War. His responsibilities include oversight for the conduct of major weapons system assessments and reporting to the Secretary of War and Congress. He also supports DOT&E participation in the Defense Acquisition Executive Summary process.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Pearson worked in DOT&E as the Senior Staff Advisor to the Director for 5th and Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter aircraft. As such, he was responsible for operational test planning, oversight, and Congressional reporting for these programs. Mr. Pearson was also the primary Air Warfare action officer responsible for test infrastructure improvements. He also oversaw a portfolio that included Air to Air and Air to Ground Weapons, Naval Warfare Aircraft, and Integrated Fires. Prior to this, Mr. Pearson was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, California as the Test Director for the Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Team. He was responsible for the stand up, integration, test planning, execution and reporting for the Tri-Service, multi-national organization.
As a career Air Force officer, Mr. Pearson led multiple organizations to include Vice Command of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and operational Squadron Command in the F-16. His joint experience includes Joint Staff J33 Southern Command Division Chief and lead briefer of the Secretary of Defense orders book as well as Air Liaison Officer with the US Army while stationed in Germany and deployed to Southwest Asia. Mr. Pearson also gained acquisition experience as a Headquarters, Air Combat Command F-22/F-16 requirements officer. His Air Force operational experience includes over 2,000 hours in the F-16 with deployments to Southwest Asia, a tour in Korea, and CONUS assignments. He also has over 1,000 hours in the A-10 in the European theater while stationed in England. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Korean Defense Service Medal.
Mr. Pearson grew up as a US Army dependent and attended the US Air Force Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed an Executive Leadership Course on Cybersecurity at Harvard University.