Steven Tate Email and Phone Number

Manages a team of 85 personnel in the only Aircraft Communications Maintenance Squadron in the United States Air Force. Oversees a 24/5 maintenance, inspection, and operation schedule in support of a fleet of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Ground Control Stations valued at $69.4 million. Ensures that all communication equipment installed in the ground control station is reliable and effective, and that maintenance and repair work is carried out in a timely and efficient manner. Oversees the operations and maintenance of a low-density, high-demand Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) asset worth $1.8 billion. The asset is used to support RPA air tasking orders across four combat commands. Responsible for ensuring that the asset is properly maintained and that all personnel are properly trained and equipped to carry out their duties.Monitors and optimizes the RPA satellite transmission plan, ensuring that all links are operating at peak efficiency to support 12,000 yearly sorties and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions across five combatant commands. Deconflicts any issues that may arise during transmissions to ensure uninterrupted communication between aircraft and command. Develops contingency and crisis communication plans for joint combat and humanitarian missions in support of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Task Force Commanders in less than 72 hours. The plans include communication strategies and procedures to ensure that communication channels remain operational during high-stress and high-risk situations.

Leads a team of 17 individuals from five different career fields responsible for maintaining and operating a network worth $21.5 million, which supports 157 personnel spread out across multiple locations. The team provides command and control capabilities and ensures mission readiness 24/7. Directs the maintenance and support of a secure system and $51 million worth of weapon storage supporting assets worth $6 billion. The team also maintains a $2.2 million nuclear command and control array, which enables Emergency Action Message (EAM) processing. Oversees the Two Person Control (TPC) and Positive Control Material in accordance with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directives, overseeing 19 custodians responsible for 1,500 items worth $250,000. Advises the Commander on plans and policies, reviews employee performance reports, awards, and decorations, and assists with the programming and execution of a $400,000 spending plan.

Manages a team of 2 non-commissioned officers and leads 15 members responsible for maintaining and operating communication equipment worth $4.7 million, including satellite communication antennas and contingency circuits. Monitors performance indicators as directed by the Defense Information Systems Agency, ensuring the cybersecurity and data integrity of 9 critical communication nodes over long distances. Directs troubleshooting efforts for 204 critical voice and data circuits and links, ensuring effective command, control, communication, computers, and intelligence (C4I) support for the Pacific region. Coordinates and implements maintenance schedules and provides technical support for the communication equipment, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and Air Force policies and standards.

Responsible for managing a team of 16 military contractors who operate and maintain the Air Force Satellite Control Network's northernmost remote tracking station. In charge of directing the operations, maintenance, and on-demand, real-time command and control sorties for the launch and operations of 175 National, Department of Defense, and allied satellites. Establishes quality guidance for station operations and support activities, and manage 50th Space Wing Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) assets valued at $100 million or more. Oversees an operating budget of more than $1 million and annual operations and maintenance contracts worth more than $3 million.

Supervises three non-commissioned officers and provides mentorship, career guidance, and on-the-job training on 33 diverse mission systems. Leads mobilization and deployment of $10 million tactical satellite and wideband communications equipment and support assets. Deploys $170 million Air Control Squadron equipment worldwide to provide air control and tactical command and control (C2) for assigned missions. Provides daily tactical C2 support for the 52nd Fighter Wing flying squadron and assists Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) & United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) with air control missions. Additional duties include workcenter training monitoring and quality assurance representation.

Responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities for the $5M Morón Optical Space Surveillance System. Directly supervises a team of four personnel in performing system sustainment, configuration control, training, evaluation, and scheduling. Performs organizational-level maintenance, including system diagnostics, fault isolation, and troubleshooting. Provides direct support to the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) tasking as part of the $3.2B worldwide space surveillance network. Additional duties include serving as Communication Security Responsible Officer (CRO) and overseeing Test, Measurement & Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) operations.

Responsible for delivering radio system capabilities to the Korea Air & Space Operations Center (KAOC) agencies. Oversees and maintains a $6M inventory of HF, VHF/UHF LOS, SATCOM, and network equipment supporting US Forces Korea missions. Also responsible for maintaining the Global Broadcast System (GBS) data receiver which supports the distribution of real-time intelligence feeds. Additionally, responsible for the operations of the Naval Forces (NAVFOR) theater Command and Control (C2) network supporting Commander US Naval Forces Korea (CNFK). Performs additional duties as the Shop Communications Security (COMSEC) Monitor, Maintenance Data Collection Monitor, and Supply Monitor.

Deployed within a 12-hour notice to establish Command and Control (C2) work centers for joint/unified/combined exercises, humanitarian relief efforts, contingency, and Air Expeditionary Force operations in austere locations. Conducted preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) and deployed over $8 million worth of Contingency Response Wing (CRW) Unit Type Code (UTC) equipment. Operated and maintained the Mobility Air Reporting and Communication system (MARC), Small Package Initial Communications Element (SPICE), International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) M4 terminal, INMARSAT Bandwidth Efficiency Satellite Transport (I-BEST), Department of Defense Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) secure voice/data systems, HF secure data system, and H/VHF/UHF ground-to-air radios. Additionally served as a Radiation Hazard Monitor.

Performs maintenance on a $32M Air Force satellite communications (SATCOM) facility in the United Kingdom. Operates and maintains various equipment including the AN/FSC-78B Heavy Satellite Earth Terminal, AN/MSC-66 Digital Communications Subsystem, and Defense Comm Satellite System. Conducts preventive maintenance inspections and system performance testing to provide premium satellite services to users. Configures equipment to provide Command and Control services to high-level officials and deployed forces. Manages additional duties such as Satellite Equipment Report (SER), Historical Records, Files, and Tools Monitor.

Operates and maintains tactical communication equipment in field conditions to support United States Forces Korea (USFK), Pacific Air Forces, and 7th Air Force contingencies and exercises as part of the Korean Tactical Air Control System. Performs troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance inspections on AN/TRC-170 Radio Terminal Sets, AN/GRC-239 Tropospheric Satellite Support Radio, and associated equipment. Erects living facilities, constructs defensive fighting positions, and performs site security duties in bare-base environments. Maintains inventory control of bench stock and documents maintenance and supply actions in manual and computer-based systems. Proficient in operating and performing user maintenance on M-series tactical vehicles.

As an Electronics Technician, deployed to various locations to operate and maintain critical military communication systems valued at over $4.5 million, including the AN/TRC-170(V)2 Tactical Microwave Radio Terminal, AN/TSC-94A Satellite Communications Radio Terminal, AN/TER-170 and AN/GRC-239 Tropo-Satellite Support Radios, and AN/PSC-5 Tactical Satellite Communications Package. Conducted system activation, operation, and maintenance to ensure that the equipment was always in a state of readiness for contingency operations and exercises. Compiled and analyzed equipment performance data to identify potential issues and prevent malfunctions. Coordinated with other personnel to establish, maintain, and restore satellite and wideband communication systems. Additionally, fulfilled duties as a Tools Monitor and Corrosion Control and Bench Stock Monitor, and maintained proficiency in first aid, vehicle operations, small arms, and readiness for worldwide deployment.