Albuquerque native leads Space Vehicles

  • Published
  • By Michael P. Kleiman
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Colonel William T. "Bill" Cooley assumed command of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate and Phillips Research Site from Col. Bradley J. Smith during a ceremony officiated by AFRL Commander Maj. Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski on July 1.

Prior to becoming the directorate's materiel wing director and PRS leader, Colonel Cooley served the past two years as commander, 350th Electronic Systems Group, Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom AFB, Mass., where he was responsible for the modernization of the premier command and control program for the Air Force--the Air Operations Center.

An Albuquerque native, Colonel Cooley graduated from Highland High School and returned to his hometown a few years later to achieve a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico.

"This is my fourth time to live in Albuquerque and I am excited. I love New Mexico. The weather is fantastic, and it is great to get back to this area," said Colonel Cooley.

During his almost 22-year Air Force career, he has held numerous acquisition, engineering, laboratory, staff, and leadership positions. Colonel Cooley has also earned the nation's ninth highest military award, the Bronze Star Medal, for meritorious service in a combat zone while working as the Defense Sector program manager, Office of Security Cooperation - Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan, April to November 2005.

During an event conducted a few hours after the change of command, Colonel Smith retired from the Air Force after 24 years of service. He had led the directorate and PRS since July 2008.

Returning to the Land of Enchantment after a 10-plus year hiatus, Colonel Cooley is enthused about guiding his new unit, which has built a reputation for innovative, cutting-edge research and development in the cosmos.

"I am excited about this particular organization and thrilled to be a part of it. Space Vehicles Directorate has contributed significantly to our national security and achieved great efforts in space and specifically in supporting the warfighter," said Colonel Cooley. "The organization has held an important role from basic research to maturing technologies in support of future systems to developing and flying satellites - it is a privilege to have this opportunity."