Merl Mckerrow Email & Phone Number

Colorado Springs, Co, Us

Colorado Springs, Co, Us

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

International Partner liaison to the Operational Program Manager (OPM) under the USA Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Memorandum of Understandings (MOU).Coordinated, managed, and facilitated monthly Action Officer Working Groups with the U.S.A. DOD and International Partner stakeholders to provide status, and information, and initiate discussions in support of the operational efforts of the Project to include Project financial and operational status, action items, issues, ad hoc topics, risks, Project schedules, and calendars.Assisted the OPM in the management of International Partner Ministry of Defense (MOD) Baseline Allocation resources in accordance with the WGS MOUs through Satellite Access and Request Authorization accountability, and accounting for SATCOM resource allocations both globally and within the International Partners's Coverage Area, in addition to attending and providing reports to various Wideband Working Groups, Project Status Reviews, and Technical Interchange Meetings.Conducted document reviews for International Partner Capabilities Acquisition and Sustainment Group developing requirements documents and Standard Operating Procedures to support an International Partner MOD SATCOM anchoring terminal activation, and collaborated with the DOD Chief Information Office, DISA, and International Partner representatives in the development of the Combined Anchor Station Project Plan, and the Anchor Station Employment Strategy to develop a unilateral agreement of sharing of resources, both ground terminal and WGS recourses.Executed all required staffing of contract reports including Weekly Activity Reports, Monthly Status, and Government Furnished Equipment Accountability Reports for the International Partner Integration Team.

4Th Space Company, 1St Space Battalion, 1St Space Brigade, Smdc, Fort Carson, Co

Served as the principal employee relations adviser for over 240 personnel, responsible for their professional development and training to meet the organization’s objectives and the service requirements of its customers. I was the consultant to senior management within the Army’s only active-duty Space Brigade where I was responsible for enforcing and setting policies and developing training plans to meet those objectives in support of providing space situational awareness to Presidential level missions in the United States Army Central and Indo-Pacific Command theaters, optimizing Space Battle Management. During my tenure, I facilitated in the organizational restructuring in the creation of an additional company to provide space situational awareness that required the transfer of over 120 personnel and $12 million worth of equipment.

Hhc, 53Rd Signal Battalion, Satellite Operations Brigade, Smdc

Responsible for the management of over 50 staff personnel within the Army’s only space control organization that comprised of the headquarters and five geographically Wideband SATCOM Operations Centers (WSOC), conducting MILSATCOM transmissions and payload control on 12 Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellites. As the principal employee relations adviser, I was responsible for planning, execution, and enforcement of policies and procedures, training and readiness plans, personnel admiration actions, and logistics support to facilitate operations and training. Facilitated the development and implementation of a new Battalion SATCOM Operations Center (BSOC), establishing and prioritizing objectives, planning and managing training requirements, and establishing assessment criteria. At full operational capacity, the BSOC provided mission assurance in support of the Space and Missile Defense Command’s Wideband C-SSE and Wideband Watch Office.

Responsible for training, certification, and management of 23 personnel in the daily operations of the Guam Regional Hub Node (RHN), in addition to the maintenance and readiness of three AN/FSC-115 Ka/Ku SATCOM terminals, and associated subsystems, providing Command, Control, Computer and Communications Information (C4I) DISN services to Combatant Commanders and Joint Forces in the INDO-PACOM theater. I improved processes by developing a tool that reduced time in the management of communication system resources, improved accountability service orders, both current and forecasted, and provide senior managers situational awareness of the daily operations and performance of relevant RHN activities. Directed and generated a training, evaluation, and certification program using stakeholders and subject matter experts to establish 65 RHN SATOM and network training and evaluation outlines, to include SATCOM electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection, characterization, reporting, and mitigation, contributing to the “Fighting SATCOM” initiative. Crew proficiency assessment and certification were validated through the execution of a complex and dynamic four-day operations readiness exercise, resulting in the certification of four crews and an established training program. Lead advisor in the NETCOM’s Task Force Enterprise Gateway manpower study to identify DOTMLPF shortages in the Army’s 15 Gateways and 5 RHNs, I managed 810 individual and collective tasks performed at the RHN to validate the skill level and determine the average time required to accomplish each task and supervised the creation of seven process maps for SATCOM and network tasks and troubleshooting procedures.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Responsible for the operational readiness and control of six geographically dispersed Wideband Satellite Operation Centers controlling the transmission and payload of 12 Wideband and DSCS satellites providing space situational awareness and supporting the President, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and all Combatant and Unified Commanders; monitored and evaluated the status of six satellite control facilities and user support; daily staff operations, training development, and evaluation, scenario and exercise development, doctrine and DOD agency interface, qualification training, certification, staff assessment visits, test and evaluation management, information management, training management synchronization, and implementing and training with new/revised policies, procedures, and processes across complex organizations.

Fort Stewart, Georgia, United States

Managed the readiness and rapid deployment of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Tactical Hub Node (THN), where I managed a team of 17 personnel responsible for providing Command, Control, Computer and Communications Information (C4I) systems to the Division’s Warfighter Information Network-Tactical. This included the planning, deployment, coordination and troubleshooting, training and evaluation, and readiness of two Unit Hub SATCOM trucks (UHST) and one Baseband Tactical Hub Node (THN) valued over $8 million. Responsible for the development, training, and welfare of 17 personnel. Used published essential operation tasks to standardize procedures and conduct cross-training between network and SATCOM operators that increased personnel technical skills and improved proficiencies in service aquations and troubleshooting. In addition, facilitated in the 1B upgrade of the UHN to support both at-the-halt and on-the-move customers across multiple organizations.

Afghanistan

Deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operations Enduring Freedom as the SATCOM Operations Manager for Combined Joint Task Force-3 (CJTF-3) Regional Network Command Center (RNCC) for Regional Command-South/Southwest. Responsible for synchronizing current operations and short-term planning for the largest networks established in Afghanistan, directing signal support operations and troubleshooting of over 200 communications nodes supporting over 15,000 subscribers, and managed and maintained accountability of over $211,000 worth of network communications equipment with zero loss. Supervised the staffing, synchronization, and execution of over 800 authorized service interruptions (ASI) without impact to current combat operations. Led the implementation of newly established COMSEC changeover tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) that reduced COMSEC related outages by 95%, and COMSEC changeover from 5-days to less than 1-day. Standardized the daily Task Force Deep Dive Brief to ensure all pertinent information was addressed, providing improved situational awareness for the RNCC-South liaisons, resulting in a 75% quicker response time to network outages. Coordinated the systematic power adjustment of over 60 high power amplifiers that restored SATCOM bandwidth and capabilities, by isolating the source of electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting SATCOM services in the Afghanistan Regional Command South/Southwest area of operations.

Fort Stewart, Georgia, United States

Served as both the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) G6 SATCOM Operations and the Network Operations Manager where I managed the satellite access requests (SAR) for 13 Joint Network Nodes (JNN), 33 Command Post Nodes (CPN), and Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical Terminals (SMART-T), and the previsioning of tactical Command, Control, Computer and Communications Information (C4I) services over SIPR, NIPR, and CENTRIXS enclave to over 2,200 users. Maintained accountability of over $1 million worth of network equipment with zero loss and managed over 20 SARs supporting two Command Post Exercises (CPX) and two Mission Readiness Exercises (MRX). Led the successful deployment of a local area network, 15-days ahead of schedule, to support the Division’s Unified Endeavor pre-deployment exercise for 1,300 subscribers from 3ID, NATO and non-organic organizations.

Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Responsible for the operational control and direction of four Defense SATCOM System (DSCS) networks utilized by U.S. and Allied Nation’s communications facilities worth over $200 million, and the training of five Assistant SATCOM Managers in the management of the overall system status to the DISA Europe NETOPS center. Enforced policies, provide direction, and supervised the performance of three Wideband SATCOM Operations Centers (WSOC), seven Enterprise Gateways, 11 SATCOM earth terminals, and over 200 tactical assemblages. Facilitated system life-cycle management and modernization all DSCS facilities throughout the European theater. Conducted DISA Facility Inspections to ensure SATCOM operations and maintenance programs were conducted per published DISA standards and directives. Managed the communications cutover of the East Atlantic Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) in the transfer of over 37 MB/s supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom warfighter missions. Coordinated and executed site visits and cross-training events to improved working relationships and knowledge between the Landstuhl WSOC and DISA SATCOM Managers. Created tools to deliberately manage Authorized Service Interruptions (ASI) and Hazardous Condition (HAZCON) reports to prioritize the maintenance of over 40 SATCOM terminals, and reduce unplanned service interruptions by 22%.Managed the sanitization of WSOMSNET applications to support a multi-million-dollar, international agreement in the integration of Australian satellite and space professionals to WSOCs, ensuring interoperability and corporation amongst international partners. This included overseeing the revision of over 25 critical preventative measures to prevent accidental foreign disclosure of sensitive information related to the DSCS Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) Control System (DECS).

Okinawa, Japan

Served as both the Personnel and Logistic Supervisor and the Maintenance Manager, responsible for scheduling, supervision, and directing all maintenance activities for a $35 million Wideband SATCOM Operations Center (WSOC) that ensured reliable, high-quality communications for the U.S. Government and Allied Forces in the Indo-Pacific Theater. Supervised eight personnel in the logistics and personnel support for an organization of 59 personnel that led his section in receiving a top overall “Exemplary” rating during the fiscal year 2008 inspection. Continuously recognized and commended by the organization’s senior executives in exceeding the standard in the management of the organization’s Safety Program, increasing safety awareness and training effectiveness. Recognized for having the best Unit Drug Prevention Program that was adopted by five other organizations. Developed an inherited satisfactory Maintenance Program where he developed, created, and implemented processes and programs that increased decreased out-of-tolerance systems maintenance by 60%, resulting in receiving an “Exemplary” inspection rating. Created an integrated maintenance workorder and Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) master database to accurately track service support workorders and the timely equipment restoration of demand maintenance. Derived a plan by utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving technics beyond published technical manuals to return the AN/GSC-39 timing subsystem back to normal operations, together with saving over $50,000.

Okinawa, Japan

Served as the Senior Network Controller and supervisor, responsible for the training, development, and welfare of 14 personnel in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a $35 million WSOC facility, performing transmission and payload control of two Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellites and one Wideband Global Satellite (WGS), valued in excess of $520 million. Supported and managed long-haul satellite communications for the Department of Defense, White House Communications Agency, Combatant Commands, Diplomatic Telecommunications Services, and Allied Forces in the Indo-Pacific Theater. Planned and coordinated training to improve proficiencies and certify his crew in transmission and payload control.

Camp Roberts, California

Responsible for the scheduling of preventive maintenance and demand maintenance of a Defense Satellite Communications System Operations Center and an AN/GSC-52 Auxiliary Control Terminal valued over $35 million, receiving an “Exemplary” inspection rating. Providing 24-hour technical assistance to 54 personnel who perform operator, organizational, direct, and general support maintenance. Conducted training to 14 personnel on Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) in how the proper use and operation of spectrum analyzers, frequency generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, and multi-meters. Provided instruction and conducted quarterly and annual training requirements of an AN/GSC-52 communications terminal, and both high-power and lower power amplifiers, without impact to services. Updated maintenance systems and records upon during life cycle and force modernization changes. Spearheaded the relabeling of seven Patch and Test Facility racks to properly identify the signal flow between the Versanux and both secure and unsecure rack, enhancing operator’s ability to troubleshoot equipment and maximize warfighter communications reliability. Reconstructed an in-depth driver’s training program to train and license personnel on three Government Service Agency (GSA) vehicles to reestablish the operation’s shift van, decreasing travel costs to personnel to-and-from the workplace and significantly reducing accidents to GSA vehicles.

Camp Roberts, Ca

Served as the Senior Network Controller and supervisor, responsible for the training, development, and welfare of 2 personnel in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a $35 million WSOC facility, performing transmission and payload control of three Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellites values in excess of $480 million. Coordinated and conducted satellite communications performance monitoring supporting the Department of Defense, White House Communications Agency, Diplomatic Telecommunications, and ground mobile forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Certified personnel on Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) network control in conducting report analysis, power management, and daily tasks to manage the spread spectrum, multiple access network, resulting in continuous reliable HEMP hardened communications to the warfighter. Planned and conducted AN/USC-28 and DSCS Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) Control System (DECS) training to 12 personnel in the operations and troubleshooting to quickly resolve system issues to the lowest replaceable unit, increasing technical proficiencies.

Bachelor Of Applied Science - Basc, Information Technology, 3.99 - Summa Cum Laude

General knowledge and understanding in the following subject areas: - Information Technology Architecture - Project Management - Project.

Associate Of Science - As, Information Technology, 3.95 - Highest Honors

General knowledge and understanding in the following subject areas: - Intro to Network Management - Computer Networks and Communications.