Lester “Farva” Melanson

Lester “Farva” Melanson has held a variety of roles in the military and in the private sector. Lester “Farva” began their career in 2000 as a Naval Flight Officer in the US Navy. In 2008, they moved to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) as a U.S. Naval Test Flight Officer. In 2011, they became a U.S. Naval Test Flight Officer/Department Head at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9). In 2013, they were an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in the US Navy. From 2014 to 2020, they held various roles at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), including Deputy Program Manager PMA-263, Class Desk (Military Chief Systems Engineer) PMA-259, and Senior Program Analyst. In 2020, they joined 2 Circle Consulting, Inc. as Vice President Advanced Systems, Director Non-Kinetic Integration, and Senior Program Analyst.

Lester “Farva” Melanson began their educational journey in 1996 when they attended the United States Naval Academy and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 2000. In 2007, they attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School and obtained a Graduate degree in Test and Evaluation. In 2008, they attended the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering and obtained a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering in 2010. Lester “Farva” then attended the U.S. Naval War College in 2010 and obtained a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and National Security Studies in 2011.