Downey served as Commander of NAVSEA since January 2024 and was selected to serve as the inaugural PAE IO upon its establishment in March 2026. Rear Adm. Todd Weeks takes the helm as interim PAE IO following his recent assignment as Director, In-Service Submarines and Industrial Base for the Director Submarine Programs. As interim PAE IO, Weeks will provide unified leadership over the four Naval Shipyards and seven Regional Maintenance Centers. “I am incredibly humbled to take the helm as the interim PAE IO and to build upon the foundational successes achieved under Vice Adm. Downey’s leadership,” said Weeks. Following the change of office and change of command, Downey is slated to retire after 40 years of distinguished and dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.