Cordell DeLaPena Jr. retires from Space Systems Command, leaves legacy of innovation and resilience

  • Published
  • By SSC Public Affairs
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --  After a distinguished career spanning decades of dedicated service to the nation, Mr. Cordell A. DeLaPena Jr., program executive officer (PEO) for Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (MILCOMM & PNT) at Space Systems Command (SSC), has retired from federal service. DeLaPena was the longest serving PEO in the U.S. Space Force (USSF). His legacy includes strengthening secure communication and precise positioning capabilities for the USSF and joint force warfighters.

DeLaPena's 40-year career in acquisitions—28 years on active duty, 12 years in civil service—is defined by his unwavering commitment to innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His leadership shaped the future of space-based capabilities.

During his tenure as the PEO, DeLaPena spearheaded a team of over 1,800 active-duty service members, federal civilians, and contractors and oversaw systems worth more than $22 billion, which included sustainment of 69 GPS and SATCOM satellites, 28 payloads in production or development, and more than 30 ground stations or ground systems. DeLaPena’s portfolio provides warfighters and allies with close to 2.5 million GPS devices and terminals, globally.

 “In and out of uniform, Del put the American people and our warfighters first,” said SSC Commander, USSF Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant. “He understood the criticality of a secure line of communication: an additional second of accuracy means saving our nation hundreds of millions of dollars, and for our warfighters, that means saving countless lives.”

"Del’s dedication to the mission, his technical acumen, and his commitment to the Guardians, Airmen, and civilians under his charge have been truly exceptional," Garrant said. "His contributions to our nation's space superiority are immeasurable, and his leadership will have a lasting impact on space acquisitions."

Under DeLaPena's guidance, the MILSATCOM mission saw significant advancements in providing secure and reliable communications for the joint force. He spearheaded the modernization efforts of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system, enhancing its anti-jam capabilities and ensuring secure communication in contested environments. He also championed the development of next-generation protected communication systems, focusing on resilient architectures and advanced waveforms to maintain connectivity in the face of evolving threats.

His leadership helped advance the next generation of Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS), a critical part of providing more secure and jam-resistant communications to the warfighter.

DeLaPena was a staunch advocate for innovation, pushing the boundaries of space technology. Recognizing the increasing demand for bandwidth and resilience, he championed the exploration of Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) constellations and laser communication technologies, aiming to develop and deploy cutting-edge capabilities that redefined future space-based communication and PNT efforts.

His focus on the GPS modernization program ensured continuous improvements to accuracy, security, and resilience. DeLaPena was instrumental in advocating for advanced anti-jamming techniques, enhanced signals, and bolstering GPS’ ability to operate in contested environments and support a wide range of military and civilian applications. These efforts underscore his commitment to delivering innovative solutions that empower warfighters by delivering next-generation space capabilities that are resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of the joint force.

During his tenure as an SSC PEO, he fostered strong partnerships with industry, academia, and international allies, leveraging their expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver superior capabilities. He actively engaged in international forums, promoting interoperability and fostering collaboration on space-based communications and PNT solutions.

“Mr. DeLaPena left an indelible mark for assured access to asymmetric MILCOMM and PNT superiority through benign, contested, and nuclear environments” said Strategic SATCOM Director, USSF Col. A.J. Ashby. “His visionary leadership and warfighter focus advanced the art of the possible for faster threat-relevant acquisition increasing resiliency, speed, range, precision, lethality, and decision making for all-domain power projection. Whether supporting special operators under triple canopy, carrier strike groups transiting high-threat choke points, or command and control of nuclear forces, we are forever grateful for his decades of faithful service.”

DeLaPena's vision extended beyond immediate requirements, focusing on charting the future of space-based capabilities. He championed research and development efforts in areas such as space-based PNT augmentation and resilient space architectures, ensuring that the USSF remains at the forefront of space technology.

“Mr. DeLaPena has always championed small business innovation in MILCOMM & PNT. Because of his support, we have 28 contracts pushing the technological boundaries for the next generation of PNT and MILCOMM programs” said Ms. Kate Coens, MILCOMM &PNT Futures Chief.

Beyond technological advancements, DeLaPena was deeply invested in the development of his team. He created a culture of continuous learning and mentorship, empowering his personnel to excel and innovate as a high-performing workforce capable of tackling the complex challenges of modern space acquisition.

“Mr. DeLaPena has a lot of experience developing and leading successful teams and it has been an honor to observe and support him in MCPNT,” said Ms. Charlotte Gerhart, Deputy PEO for MILCOMM & PNT. “The partnerships he built with stakeholders across the DoD, civil, and international communities have led to advanced GPS and MILSATCOM capabilities. On behalf of the Guardians, Airmen, and civilians of SSC, I express my deepest gratitude for his exceptional service and wish Mr. DeLaPena the best in his future endeavors.”

 

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