[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO RON CORTOPASSI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 
                      VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2022

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ron 
Cortopassi, Executive Director of Space Launch Delta 30, Vandenberg 
Space Force Base. Ron has served diligently for 39 years, beginning his 
career at Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1983 as a Flight Safety Analyst, 
Safety Office, Western Space Missile Center, 30th Space Wing. In 1990, 
he was promoted to Chief, Operations Safety Analysis. Then in 1992, Ron 
was chosen to be Chief, Flight Analysis Office. In 2000, Ron was once 
again promoted to Chief Engineer. His career culminated in being chosen 
the Executive Director of the 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force 
Base, which later was renamed as Space Launch Delta 30, Vandenberg 
Space Force Base. In his role as Executive Director, he worked directly 
with Space Launch Delta 30's Commander and provided continuity of 
senior management, offered technical advice and counsel for policy and 
direction for Vandenberg Space Force Base. Additionally, he oversaw the 
health and wellness of the civilian component of Vandenberg Space Force 
Base and ensured that Space Launch Delta 30 functions as a world-class 
range and test facility. Ron also served as the Executive Secretary for 
the Safe Training System Flight Termination Criteria Evaluation 
Committee, developer of the Safe Training System Range Safety Display 
and lead flight safety analyst for the 30th Space Wing's first Titan IV 
launch. Furthermore, Ron wrote collision avoidance software, terminal 
area hazard and caution area determination software, ship-hit 
probability software, and general mapping software for the use by the 
flight safety analysist. Ron is a product of Central Coast education, 
by graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical 
Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis 
Obispo, California.
  Madam Speaker, Ron Cortopassi leaves Vandenberg Space Force Base in a 
strong place, well prepared to continue its mission for missile 
testing, range operations, and provide installation infrastructure 
necessary to place satellites into polar orbit. I respectfully ask that 
you join me in expressing immense gratitude to Ron Cortopassi for his 
extraordinary leadership on the occasion of his retirement.

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