DOD names new Missile Defense Agency director

Vice Admiral James Syring

Vice Admiral James Syring was named the new director of the Missile Defense Agency, the Department of Defense announced.

Syring replaces Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly.

Syring comes to MDA after serving as the program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Naval Sea Systems Command. In his previous role, Syring was responsible for acquiring, developing, delivering and sustaining integrated weapons systems for ships, submarines, carriers and aircraft within the fleet and joint force.

Bio:

Rear Adm. Syring is from Muncie, Ind. A 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering, he received his commission as an ensign. Subsequent to commissioning, he was designated an engineering duty officer. In 1992, Syring earned his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School.

At sea, he qualified as a surface warfare officer in USS Downes (FF 1070) where he served as auxiliaries, electrical and electronics material officer.

Ashore, Syring served in numerous engineering duty officer assignments including: ship superintendent for USS Port Royal (CG 73); Aegis test officer (ATO) for new construction DDG 51 class ships; Combat Systems, Test and Trials officer in the DDG 51 Aegis Shipbuilding Program Office; Combat Systems Baseline manager in the Aegis Technical Division; director for Surface Combatants, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition). Syring served as the technical director for the U.S. Navy’s DDG 1000 shipbuilding program and followed that tour as the DDG 1000 Major Program manager.

Upon selection to flag rank in 2010, Syring has served as the program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), responsible for acquiring, developing, delivering and sustaining integrated weapons systems for ships, submarines, carriers and aircraft within the fleet and joint force.

Syring’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.