Meet the new Vice: Col. Robert Pavelko

  • Published
  • By 45th Space Wing
  • Public Affairs
Col. Robert Pavelko hasassumed the position of vice commander,taking the reins from Col. Rory Welch, who will be moving to a position at the National Reconnaissance Office.

Prior to taking this position, Col. Pavelko was a National Security Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California, Col. Pavelko began his Air Force career as a F-16 Project Manager, Advanced Fighter Engines, and Chief, Increased Performance Engine Field Support Team, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Following his initial assignment, he also had assignments at Brooks, AFB, Texas, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., Warren AFB, Wyo., served as the Commander, Detachment 3, 22d Space Operations Squadron, Thule Air Base, Greenland, and also served as the Deputy Commander, Satellite Control and NetworkSystems Group, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.

He also served as the Commander, 21st Space Operations Squadron, Onizuka AFS, Calif., closing the station due to BRAC and moving the squadron to Vandenberg AFB, Calif., just prior to his National Security Fellow appointment.

In the middle of all these assignments, Col Pavelko also served as the Chief, Congressional Relations, and Executive Officer to the Director, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

The 45th Space Wing commander gave a hearty welcome to the new vice commander. "Col. Pavelko has a wealth of experience in a wide array of the space business and we look forward to having him part of our senior leadership team," he said. "Welcome aboard!"

Our new vice commander is just as glad - and proud - to be here.  "What an opportunity for my wife, our daughter and me tojoin the 45th Space Wing team. The great "can-do" reputation this Wing has is well known all throughout the Air Force and DoD," said Col. Pavelko.

"We look forward to getting out and meeting the entire team and our mission partners all around the Space Coast. We have much to be proud of as Sharks and I am so very proud to be on your team," he said.