JOSEPH ORTEGA
San Diego,CA
Summary
Active Secret Security Clearance Operations Manager and Navy Veteran with extensive experience developing and managing high-stakes operations within the aviation and defense industry. Possesses comprehensive knowledge in instructional design, strategic program management, executing end-to-end scalable programs for managers and employees at all levels, and managing day-to-day operations, budget, and stakeholder engagement derived from leading comprehensive training initiatives and modernizing educational programs. Holds an extensive background in leadership development, process improvement, and analyzing programs' needs, objectives, and expected outcomes in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor, Hangar Deck
United States Navy
01.2022 - Current
- Led a team of 36 personnel responsible for safely handling and moving aircraft within the hangar
- Oversaw the maintenance and upkeep of 37 operational spaces and associated equipment, ensuring safety and compliance
- Supported career development initiatives as an Assistant Department Career Counselor, providing mentorship and guidance on career progression
- Supervised 56 personnel in all hangar operations, including aircraft handling and maintenance
- Spearheaded the load plan for 10 F-35 aircraft, executing 697 launches, 290 aircraft moves, and 426 elevator cycles during large-scale exercises
- Trained and mentored 158 team members in firefighting, safety protocols, and emergency response, leading to enhanced operational readiness, improved safety compliance, and numerous promotions
- Conducted organizational climate assessments by analyzing data, led focus groups, and facilitated interviews, resulting in actionable recommendations that improved team cohesion and workplace morale
- Directed the maintenance and safe operation of a multi-million-dollar aircraft hangar, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and reducing incident rates by 15%
Training & Development Specialist | Instructor
United States Navy
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Directed the design, development, and execution of complex training programs for over 9K students across diverse military and civilian roles
- Led the training of high-risk operations, improving operational readiness and safety compliance for aviation firefighting and damage control teams
- Managed large, cross-functional teams, delivering high-impact instruction and ensuring 15 instructors and personnel professional development
- Directed comprehensive training programs for 9K+ personnel across 212 courses, ensuring the certification of 90 commands and enhancing damage control readiness in alignment with U.S
- Navy Third Fleet objectives
- Managed the instruction of 2.8K+ military and international personnel, driving a 100% success rate in aviation firefighting and damage control evaluations, significantly improving operational safety and mission preparedness
- Led the development and mentorship of 15 high-risk instructors, with three attaining Master Training Specialist certifications, elevating instructional standards and operational effectiveness across aviation operations
- Spearheaded organizational climate assessments through targeted interviews, focus groups, and data analysis, implementing strategic improvements that strengthened team cohesion
- Oversaw large-scale pre-inspections for aviation firefighting teams, successfully certifying crash and salvage units for 33 surface combatant ships, directly enhancing deployment readiness for Fifth and Seventh Fleet operations
Aviation Operations Manager
United States Navy
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Managed large-scale aviation operations, directing aircraft movements, safety protocols, and team leadership
- Supervised over 160 personnel, ensuring the safe and timely execution of flight deck operations and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs that enhanced personnel qualifications and readiness
- Oversaw the maintenance of multi-million-dollar assets, ensuring operational continuity during critical deployments
- Managed aviation operations for a team of 163 employees, overseeing certification processes, pre-deployment training, and large-scale projects, including the successful completion of international and domestic operational missions
- Directed the safe execution of over 32K aircraft launches and recoveries, 42K+ aircraft movements, and nearly 6,000 elevator cycles, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and operational protocols
- Supervised the training and qualification of team members, enabling the safe handling of over 4K aircraft movements and 2.5K launches and recoveries, contributing to mission success
- Led the identification and resolution of 156 equipment and facility discrepancies, using asset management systems to improve operational performance and equipment readiness
- Mentored and developed 36 employees, achieving career advancements, promotions, and talent retention, with 11 personnel promoted through merit-based advancement programs
Skills
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Operations Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Consensus Building
- Thought Leadership
- Transformation
- Scaling Operations
- Cultural Excellence
- Inspiration
Communitycontributions
San Diego Food Bank, Food Bank, 01/01/19
Specializedtraining
- Master Training Specialist (MTS), U.S. Navy, 01/01/19
- Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling Instructor, U.S. Navy, 01/01/19
- Counselor Apprenticeship (4K hours), Department of Labor, 01/01/13
- Firefighter Apprenticeship (2K hours), Department of Labor, 01/01/19
- NEC 9585 (Career Counselor), U.S. Navy, 01/01/11
- Personnel Financial Management & Stress Control, U.S. Navy, 01/01/11
- Shipboard Aircraft Fire Fighting & Damage Control, U.S. Navy, 01/01/08
Timeline
Supervisor, Hangar Deck
United States Navy
01.2022 - Current
Training & Development Specialist | Instructor
United States Navy
01.2019 - 01.2022
Aviation Operations Manager
United States Navy
01.2014 - 01.2019
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