AFRL unit gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Eva Blaylock
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Col. David "Goldy" Goldstein assumed command of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate and Phillips Research Site from Col. William "Bill" Cooley during a June 10 ceremony presided over by AFRL commander Maj. Gen. William N. McCasland.

Goldstein served the past two and a half years as deputy director, Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., where he was responsible for acquisition planning, programming, budgeting and operational support for a $40 billion portfolio of military satellite communication systems.

The Aurora, Colo., native earned a bachelor of science in engineering from the Air Force Academy and received his commission in June 1988. He has held assignments in test and evaluation, payload integration, engineering, launch operations and leadership positions.

Goldstein's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He received the 2002 Air Force Space Command for The Institute of Navigation's Norman P. Hay's Award, and 2003 AFSPC Space Achievement Foundation's Annual Stellar National Award.

Cooley, an Albuquerque native, graduated from Highland High School, then returned to his hometown for a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He has led the directorate and PRS since July 2010. His next assignment will be as the Director at the Global Positioning System Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.

Cooley said he leaves the directorate, which has a reputation for being one of the most pioneering, innovative research and development units in the Air Force, in the best possible hands.

"In addition to a having a terrific background in space and technology, Goldy is an outstanding and personable officer. I attended Air Command and Staff College with him and have crossed paths with him many times throughout my career. All my interactions with him have been stellar. He is a straight shooter, insightful, space-savvy, and a quick study," he said.

The Space Vehicles Directorate serves as the Air Force's "Center of Excellence" for space research and development. It develops and transitions space technologies for more effective, more affordable warfighter missions. Primary mission thrusts include Space-Based Surveillance (space to space and space to ground) and Space Capability Protection (protecting space assets from manmade and natural effects).

The directorate also leverages commercial, civil and other government resources that ensure America's defense advantage. Primary focus areas include radiation-hardened electronics, space power, space structures and control, space-based sensing, space environmental effects, autonomous maneuvering, and balloon and satellite flight experiments.