OPTEVFOR

OPTEVFOR

Operational Test & Evaluation Force

Leadership Biographies
Director Locksley

In May 2022, Mr. Robin Locksley assumed leadership of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force. In this position, he is the senior leader of the Command, responsible for evaluating warfighting capabilities under realistic operating conditions in order to inform Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Warfighters of system capabilities and limitations, in support of both operations and acquisition decisions.

In November 2019, Locksley was selected as the Deputy Commander of Operational Test and Evaluation Force. In this position he is responsible for evaluating new and upgraded naval, joint and multi-national systems as well as the executive and business management of the command.

Director

In October 2015, he was selected to the Senior Executive Service to serve as Director for Flight Test Engineering within the Naval Air Systems Command’s Integrated Systems Evaluation, Experimentation and Test (ISEET) Department. He served as the Chief Flight Test Engineer for naval aviation leading more than 900 flight test engineers across four geographic sites in the performance of systems test, evaluation, and experimentation to deliver critical war fighting capabilities to our sailors and marines.

In October 2011, he became the Head of the Systems Test Experimentation Management Division within the ISEET Department, where he led a national workforce performing the planning, execution, management, and reporting on all integrated systems evaluation, experimentation and test in support of acquisition programs managed by NAVAIR and the Naval Aviation Program Executive Offices (PEOs).

In April 2007, he became the Head of the PEO for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Programs Test Branch providing technical direction and leadership of T&E efforts managed and conducted by 10 program offices performing Research, Development, Test and Evaluation.

In October 1998, he was Principle Flight Test Engineer for engineering and manufacturing development of the Marine Corps H-1 helicopter upgrades program. He provided technical leadership and risk management in the flight testing of three AH-1Z and two UH-1Y developmental aircraft and the subsequent execution of 2,500 hours of mishap-free, high-risk flight testing. Additionally, Mr. Locksley has conducted test and evaluation on Frigates, AEGIS Class ships, and avionics systems on SH-2F, SH-3H, HAS5 (AEW), and SH-60 aircraft.

Mr. Locksley received his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Drexel University in 1989. He earned his Master of Science in electrical engineering from Florida Institute of Technology in 1995. Mr. Locksley is a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School (Class 112), the NAVAIR Senior Executive Management Development Program, the Federal Executive Institute, and the Naval Postgraduate School. His awards include the Wernecke Award for technical excellence in rotorcraft T&E and a DoN Meritorious Civilian Service award. Mr. Locksley has over 32 years of civilian federal service.

Deputy Director
Deputy Director Capt. Mason

Captain Eric Mason, a native of Baltimore, MD, enlisted in the Navy to attend the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program in 1991. He graduated from Hampton University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, and was commissioned through NROTCU Hampton Roads. Following graduation, he completed nuclear power training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course prior to assignment aboard USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723), where he served in various division officer positions. Captain Mason’s follow-on sea tours included Weapons Officer on USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) and Executive Officer on USS SAN FRANCISCO (SSN 711).
Ashore, Captain Mason served as Command and Control Officer at CTF-144 Norfolk, VA, Eastern Pacific Action Officer at Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S) Key West, FL, Submarine Force Diversity Officer at COMSUBFOR Norfolk, VA, Deputy Director Current Operations at US Fleet Forces Command Norfolk, VA, Commanding Officer at Navy Submarine Torpedo Facility Yorktown, VA, and Assistant Program Manager at PEO SUB, PMS 404 Undersea Weapons Joint Program Office Washington, D.C.

Captain Mason holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two stars), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Captain Mason is DAWAI Level III certified in Program Management and qualified as an Acquisition Professional.
Chief of Staff Leccia

Dr. Michelle L. Leccia’s career is defined by her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to government service, particularly in her role as Chief of Staff at the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) since March 2022.

Starting her journey at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard within the U.S. Navy, Dr. Leccia dedicated herself to supporting the nuclear-powered fleet, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and training ships. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, accumulating invaluable experience in various naval capacities from test engineer to government inspector.

Chief of Staff
In 2018, Dr. Leccia was selected for the NAVSEA Commander’s Executive Fellowship Program, where she gained diverse experience across Navy and Department of Defense offices, enriching her executive perspective on government leadership. Her contributions during this program ranged from financial management and budget development to the revision of the Maritime Homeland Defense strategy, as well as involvement in the establishment of PEO-Digital Logistics.

Continuing her ascent, Dr. Leccia played significant roles within the Naval Sea Systems Command. Her achievements include serving as Deputy Technical Warrant Holder for Bridge Design Integration, Deputy Program Manager in PEO Ships, and pioneering the integration of human factors and psychology into the development of an Integrated Bridge Design for the surface fleet.

In 2019, she transitioned to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment – Industrial Policy, where she served as the Director of the Shipbuilding Sector. Her leadership streamlined joint service efforts, aligning them with national defense strategy objectives. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Dr. Leccia led a task force, at the request of the Secretary of Defense, to assess its impact on the industrial base and develop strategies for improvement and critical supply provision.

Dr. Leccia’s dedication to education and knowledge is evident through her academic achievements, including a Doctorate in Public Service Leadership, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, and a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. Her commitment to continuous learning extends to programs at prestigious institutions, such as Cornell University, IBM, Vann H. Lefcoe Association, and the Federal Executive Institute, enhancing her leadership skills.

Throughout her career, Dr. Leccia’s exceptional leadership has earned her numerous awards, including meritorious unit commendations and over 50 special act and spot awards, reflecting her outstanding results, commitment to safety, exemplary leadership, and innovative contributions.

Her remarkable journey and tireless dedication continue to shape the future of the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense. Dr. Leccia’s role as Chief of Staff at OPTEVFOR is pivotal in ensuring the effectiveness, suitability, and cyber survivability of weapons systems, upholding the nation’s defense capabilities.

Commanding Officer
Commanding Officer (Staff) Capt. Williams

Captain Kenneth J. Williams was born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio. He enlisted in the Navy in January 1987 and completed Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois. In September 1999, he was commissioned a Chief Warrant Officer.

His sea duty assignments include, USS NIMITZ (CVN-68), USS ANZIO (CG 68), USS DETROIT (AOE 4), USS SEATTLE (AOE 3), USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49), USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 4), USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), USS NEW ORLEANS (LPD 18) and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72).
His shore assignments include: USNORTHCOM Deputy Branch Chief for Anti-terrorism, Training, and Law Enforcement Integration Team, Naval Station Norfolk Port Operations Officer, Deck Lead for the Board of Inspection and Survey, and Executive Officer Naval Station Great Lakes.

He is Surface Warfare Officer qualified and his personal awards include the Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).
Executive Officer (Staff) Lt Cdr. Perry

Lieutenant Commander Vincent N. Perry, a native of Walnut, Mississippi, assumed duty as the Executive Officer of Operational Test and Evaluation Force in November 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.

In August 1994 he enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program. He then attended Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL in June 1995. After completing recruit training he attended Yeoman “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi. Upon completion of “A” School in October 1995 he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Special Distribution Courier for Support Services Division. In December 1997 he was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class.

Follow-on enlisted assignments would include USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) serving as the Ship’s Secretary Yeoman completing two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf. Onboard he qualified as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Following his sea tour, he reported to the Defense Intelligence Agency as the Reserve Management Office Yeoman in February 2001. In March 2004, he reported to the Tridents of Patrol Squadron 26 as the Administrative Department Leading Petty Officer, completing two squadron deployments to Sigonella, Sicily and qualifying as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist. In April 2007, he served on an IA assignment to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. While on IA he was selected and promoted to Chief Petty Officer in September 2007. In December 2007, he reported to FACSFAC, North Island, California where he served as the Assistant Administrative Officer, Command Career Counselor, Public Affairs Officer, and Education Services Officer.

Executive Officer
In April 2009 he was commissioned as an Ensign via the Limited Duty Officer (LDO)/Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Program. After completion of LDO/CWO Officer School in May 2009, he reported to VFA-151 “Vigilantes” where he served as the Administrative Officer and Legal Officer. During this tour he completed two squadron Western Pacific Deployments onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

In February 2012, he reported to Naval Air Systems Command where he served as the Flag Secretary to Commander, Naval Air Systems Command. In April 2013, he was promoted to Lieutenant. In March 2014, he reported onboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) where he served as the Administrative Officer. During this tour he completed a Western Pacific Deployment and qualified as Surface Warfare Officer. In April 2015, he reported to Naval Personnel Command where he served as Branch Head for the Selection Board Administration. His follow on assignments as the Administrative Officer for Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Millington, Tennessee. In September 2019, he was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Commander. In July 2021, he reported to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the Administrative Officer.

Lieutenant Commander Perry’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (8), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), as well as other campaign and unit citations.

Command Master Chief Officer
Command Master Chief Stokes

Master Chief Marluis Stokes is a native of Philadelphia, Pa and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1990. She reported for active duty in July 1991, attending Navy Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Fla. After graduating boot camp, Master Chief Stokes attended Radioman “A” School in San Diego, California.

Her assignments in the information systems technician field include USS GRAPPLE (ARS-53); Combat Logistics Group Two; USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44); Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet (COMNAVAIRLANT); USS NITZE (DDG 94); Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Fleet (COMNAVSURFLANT); and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69).
Master Chief Stokes was selected as a Command Senior Chief (CMDCS) in February 2013 and served as the Command Master Chief of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR THREE, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Commander Carrier Strike Group TWELVE. She is currently serving as Command Master Chief at Operations Test and Evaluation Force.

She attended the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 170 (Brown). She has her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling – Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University.

Her decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit campaign awards. She has earned her Information Warfare, Surface Warfare and Aviation Warfare.