Dr. Peter Adair serves as the Technical Director of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). In this role, he is responsible for providing
research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, analysis and assessment, as well as Fleet support capabilities for mine warfare systems, mines, expeditionary maneuver systems, diving and life support systems.
Dr. Adair concurrently serves as the Director, Littoral and Mine Warfare (MIW) Systems Engineering, where he is responsible for the oversight of 5 technical warrant holders to ensure that the Navy maintains its position as the foremost technical authority over a broad portfolio of littoral and mine warfare systems.
In August 2020, Dr. Adair joined the Senior Executive Service (SES). Prior to assuming his current position, Dr. Adair served at the Senior Level (SL) as the MIW Director for the NAVSEA Warfare Centers. He was responsible for MIW Fleet engagement for all of the Warfare Centers as well as leading mission level analysis and engineering efforts.
Dr. Adair began his career at NSWC PCD in 1997 working on Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration programs as an Electrical
Engineer. He later became the Project Manager on the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) leading the program through a successful ACAT II Milestone C
Decision and Low Rate Initial Production award.
In 2006, he became the MCM Tactics Branch Head and worked to develop new tactics for the next generation of MCM systems, including the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
MCM Mission Package. In 2011, he was promoted to the Head of the Analysis, Tactics, and Simulation Division where he expanded NSWC PCD’s role in MIW mission level analysis and tactical decision aid development.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1992 from Auburn University. That was followed by a Master’s of Science degree in 1994 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering in 1997, also from Auburn University. Dr. Adair has received numerous awards, including the Navy Meritorious Civilian
Service Award in 2013.