45th Contracting Squadron
Vision
- A short, inspiring statement encapsulating the unit’s long-term aspiration.
- A reliable, responsive, adaptable, inquisitive, action-oriented, and trustworthy squadron that forges lasting relationships and fosters growth
Mission
- A clear one-liner capturing core purpose and operational focus.
- Navigate regulations to achieve and effectively manage best value contractual solutions, meeting the diverse needs of our mission partners and ensuring success on time every time
Leadership & Organizational Structure
- Commander: Name, rank
- Commander: Mike Hawkins, Lt Col
- Key Leadership Positions: Deputy commander, director of operations, etc.
- Director of Business Operations: Marco A. Mendez
- Senior Enlisted Leader: Xavier Robertson, SMSgt
- First Sergeant: Emily Darnell, MSgt
- Organizational Breakdown: Brief bullets of subordinate groups or squadrons and their roles.
- Infrastructure Support Flight (PKA)
- Ms. Laurie Rowe, Flight Chief
- Provides mission-focused business leadership to mission partners with construction requirements as well as several large-dollar service requirements. Portfolio includes: Spaceport of the Future Infrastructure (SPotFI), THe Advancement of the Next-gen Operational Spaceport (THANOS), Space Coast Multiple Award Construction Contract (SCMACC), Fire Protection Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), Spaceport Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPACE), Custodial, Grounds Maintenance, Refuse, and all construction occurring on Ascension Island.
- Installation Support Flight (PKB)
- Ms. Terry Clark, Flight Chief
- Provides mission-focused business leadership to mission partners with supply/commodity or service requirements. Portfolio includes: STARCOM beddown support, 920th RQW support contracts, MDG support contracts, furniture buys, Information Technology buys, and the Custodial contract covering Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex.
- Launch and Range Support Flight (PKD)
- Ms. Kathy Jackson, Flight Chief
- Provides mission-focused business leadership to mission partners with complex, large-dollar service requirements. Portfolio includes: Space Force Range Contract (SFRC), Ascension Island Base Operating Support (AI BOS), Cape Launch Operations and Infrastructure Support (CLOIS), Instrumentation Range Support Program (IRSP), Safety Hazard Analysis and Risk Processing (SHARP), Pad Safety, Eastern and Western Operational Communications Services (EWOCS), System Engineering and Integration Support Services (SEISS), Nebula Blanket Purchase Agreement, Assured Access to Space (AATS) support, and NASA support contracts.
- Plans and Programs Flight (PKP)
- Ms. Candon Moore, Flight Chief
- Provides Government Purchase Card Program Management to 250+ cardholders and 14,000+ transactions each year.
- Provides Quality Assurance Program Coordinator support to the Delta and mission partners/tenants.
- Provides Contracting Information Technology system support, data analytics, cost and price analysis, and training for Contracting workforce.
- Liaises with higher headquarters on taskers, policy reviews, and self-inspection program.
Mission Snapshot (“At a Glance”)
- Core metrics (tailor as appropriate):
- Location(s) / Coverage area (e.g., mission partners served, operating scope)
- Patrick SFB, Cape Canaveral SFS, Ascension Island Auxiliary Airfield, & other auxiliary sites spanning 15M mile radius
- SLD 45, 920th RQW, AFTAC, NOTU, STARCOM, Delta 10, DEOMI, NASA, AATS, AFAMS, Launch Service Providers, dozens of Geographically Separated Units, and 30 ranges (under IRSP) for USAF, USA, USN, DOE, NASA, UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Germany, and Sweden.
- Assets in use (e.g., aircraft types, vehicles, satellites processed)
- Key outputs or accomplishments (e.g., launches supported, training throughput)
- Business Leaders for the Delta
- Support two PEOs: AFPEO/CM and AATS PEO
- Manage $9.6B contract portfolio
- Train and deploy Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) for Combatant Commanders and local contingencies (e.g., hurricanes)
- Next milestone or event (e.g., “Next scheduled operation” with date if available)
Highlights & Achievements
- Notable accomplishments, recent successful missions, awards, milestones, or innovations.
- Can include performance stats, recognition, unique capabilities.
- Executed 2,547 contract actions worth $697.4M in FY25
- Executed 2,533 contract actions worth $683.9M in FY24
- Busiest and highest obligating CONS in USSF, 2nd highest in DAF
Contact & Additional Resources
- Contact Information: Name, phone, email
- 45 CONS CSS, 321-494-6871
- Link for more information or HHQ page
- “Current as of [Month Year]” notation (e.g., “Current as of July 2025”)
- Current as of October 2025
- History: Brief founding date or major historical milestones.
- Constituted 45 Contracting Squadron on 1 Nov 1991. Activated on 12 Nov 1991.
- Assignments. 45 Logistics Group, 12 Nov 1991; 45 Mission Support Group, 1 Oct 2002-4 May 2021. Space Launch Delta 45, 11 May 2021.
- Decorations. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: [12 Nov] 1991-30 Sep 1992; 1 Sep 1993-30 Aug 1995; 1 Oct 1995-30 Sep 1996; 1 Sep 1997-31 Aug 1998; 1 Sep 1998-31 Aug 2000; 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004; 1 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2004; 1 Oct 2004-30 Sep 2005; 1 Jan-31 Dec 2005; 1 Oct 2005-30 Sep 2006; 1 Oct 2008-30 Sep 2010; 1 Oct 2010-30 Sep 2012; 1 Oct 2012-30 Sep 2013; 1 Jan 2016-31 Dec 2017.
- Emblem. Approved on 12 Dec 1995.
- Significance: Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The red half of the disc denotes the sacrifices made by all service personnel in the defense of their country. The globe with spacelift flight symbol in orbit on a black background suggests the unit's support to both atmospheric and space-oriented operations. The eagle, with thirteen wing segments, represents the Air Force and the nation's original colonies. The quill symbolizes the unit personnel and the specialized skills needed in preparing agreements between the government and contractors.
- Values / Core Principles: e.g., integrity, innovation.
- Communicate: Empower, Responsive, Accountable, Trust(ed), Data-driven, Accurate & Timely
- Obligate on Time: Aptitude, Attentive, Achievement, Adapt with Technology
- Nurture Relationships: People, Purpose, Resilience, Team Building, Listen to Understand
- Set the Example: Train, Develop, Attitude, Critical Thinking, Innovation, Inspire