After nearly two decades of vision, service, and excellence, our founder and CEO, RC Thompson, will retire on June 30, 2025. A former Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy’s TOPGUN program, RC founded Tactical Air Support with a bold idea: to create a next-generation Center of Excellence that brought the tactical rigor of TOPGUN and the USAF Weapons School to the defense industry. He succeeded. Over 19 years, RC has led the company from concept to reality, transforming it into a respected and non-traditional defense contractor serving the U.S. Armed Forces and international partners with unmatched tactical aviation expertise.
RC’s personal career includes 7,000+ hours in tactical fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, including the F/A-18, F-14, and UH-1, along with 1,200+ carrier landings and combat leadership as a Carrier Air Wing Commander during Operation Enduring Freedom. His vision, experience, and leadership have shaped not just a company, but a culture, one that will endure well beyond his retirement.
We are proud to announce that Jeff Johnson, Tactical Air’s current President, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on July 1. Jeff brings a unique blend of operational and executive experience to the role. A retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force, he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School and has 3,000+ hours in fighter aircraft, including the F-16 and F-4. He has commanded aviation and maintenance units at every level and concluded his military service as commander of a composite Air National Guard Wing responsible for the air defense of the National Capital Region and executive airlift for senior U.S. leadership.
Following his military career, Jeff served as an executive at Rockwell Collins and held leadership roles across both aerospace and national security services. His strategic vision and proven leadership make him the ideal person to lead Tactical Air Support into its next chapter.
We’re also pleased to share that RC will continue to serve on our Board of Directors, ensuring that his leadership, insight, and experience remain part of our future as we evolve and grow.
Please join us in thanking RC Thompson for his remarkable legacy, and in congratulating Jeff Johnson as he carries the torch forward.