AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AE Industrial”), a private investment firm focused on technologies and services considered critical to national and economic security, today announced the naming of Rear Admiral (Ret.) Leonard “Butch” Dollaga as an Operating Partner.
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In this expanded role, Dollaga will work closely with AE Industrial’s investment professionals and portfolio company executives to strengthen strategic planning and develop customer relationships for portfolio companies. He will also help identify and assess new investment opportunities across national security sectors, with a particular focus on maritime. Additionally, he will assist portfolio companies in navigating complex processes associated with federal budgeting, legislation, acquisition and policies that shape the defense industrial base.
“Butch has brought an exceptional combination of operational leadership, maritime expertise and strategic insight to AE Industrial,” said David Rowe, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial. “His understanding of the Department of War, the Department of the Navy, and the broader Washington, D.C. national security environment is a tremendous asset to our portfolio companies. As an Operating Partner, Butch will play an even greater role in helping management teams translate customer priorities into executable growth strategies, strengthen their market positions and deliver technologies and capabilities that are critical to the nation’s security.”
Dollaga joined AE Industrial in 2024 following more than three decades of service in the United States Navy. He most recently served as Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Department of the Navy, where he was the principal legislative advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. In that role, he worked extensively with Congress, senior defense officials and national security leaders on Navy priorities, maritime readiness, shipbuilding, undersea warfare and the resources required to support the future force.
He also played an important role in building domestic support for the trilateral AUKUS security partnership among the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Earlier in his career, Dollaga served as Commander, Submarine Group 7, and Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, leading efforts to advance undersea warfighting capabilities, strengthen integration across naval warfare communities and deepen cooperation with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
“AE Industrial’s portfolio companies are developing and delivering capabilities that directly support America’s service members, national security institutions, and allied partners,” said Dollaga. “I am honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to working alongside our portfolio company executives to help them better understand customer requirements, navigate the national security marketplace and turn innovative technologies into fielded capabilities. My goal is to help each company build durable relationships, pursue disciplined growth and deliver meaningful operational impact for the warfighter.”
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Dollaga holds a master’s degree in engineering management from George Washington University.
About AE Industrial Partners
AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with approximately $9.0 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2026, focused on investing in technologies and services considered critical to national & economic security. Since 2015, AE Industrial has completed more than 155 investments in market-leading companies that benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience and network of relationships across the sectors where the Firm invests (national security, aerospace and industrial services). With a commitment to driving value creation in partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, AE Industrial invests across private equity, venture capital and aerospace leasing. AE Industrial is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL and has an office in Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.aeroequity.com.
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