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Massenburg, Commander

The U.S. Senate recently approved a third star and new assignment for Vice Adm. Walter Massenburg. He now commands the Naval Air Systems Command (NavAir), which acquires and supports aircraft and weapons technology for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Defense Department. A native of Baltimore, Massenburg is a naval aviator who advanced to become assistant commander for aviation depots. His decorations include the Legion of Merit with one gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars.

Pipczynski, Director of Bus. Development

Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp., a Carlstadt, N.J.-based manufacturer of avionics test and measurement equipment, has named Joseph Pipczynski Jr. director of business development. His 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry includes employment with Northrop Grumman Corp. and, recently, with Telephonics Corp. Visit www.telinstrument.com.

New Officials

Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Lynnwood, Wash., recently announced two new appointments in the Aerospace Group. Rick Jones has been named senior vice president of operations, and Michael Brady has become vice president and chief financial officer. Jones formerly was the company’s vice president of business development and strategy. He began his career at Crane’s Eldec facility. Brady formerly was vice president and general manager of Crane’s Hydro-Aire division. He has worked at various Crane divisions for 13 years. Visit www.craneaerospace.com.

Tobin, Vice President

Frank Tobin Jr. recently left his post as senior vice president of Spectrum Solutions Group to assume a newly created position: vice president, homeland security, with Thales North America. The company hopes to adapt its expertise in defense to the development of security solutions "in numerous fields," according to a Thales release. In addition to Spectrum, Tobin has held positions with Lockheed Martin, MFS Network Technologies and a company he founded, QualConGroup. Visit www.thalesgroup.com.

Rice, Director of Sales & Marketing

The online aviation maintenance and refurbishment quote system, AvQuotes.com, has appointed Christa Rice director of sales and marketing. Her job is to market AvQuotes as a tool for aircraft operators to receive multiple quotes from the company’s list of service providers. Rice’s former position was as a Learjet pilot for Florida Jet Service, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Visit www.avquotes.com.