Colonel Patrick J Rhatigan
Commander
A Brief Look At The Professional Journey of Colonel Patrick J Rhatigan
Colonel Patrick J Rhatigan is the current 19th Airlift Wing Commander serving at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. He attended United States Air Force Academy from 1987 to 1991 to receive a Bachelor's degree in English. In 2004, he completed his Master's degree in Military Operational Art and Science from ACSC (Air Command and Staff College). He has also received a Master's degree in National Security Strategy from National War College. Col. Rhatigan has worked at many respectable positions in his successful professional career. These include:
- Chief, Mobility Programs Integration Branch (2004-2005): After completing his Master's degree from Military Operational Art and Science, Colonel Patrick J Rhatigan started working as the Chief, Mobility Programs Integration Branch at Headquarters Air Force, AF/A8 Plans and Programs based in Pentagon. He worked there from 2004 to 2005, and successfully managed many significant tasks. He combined 7 Major Commands' inputs into adhesive mobility and special operation forces portfolio costing $110B throughout the Five Years Defense Plan for the Global Mobility enterprise. He developed and suggested Air Force positions on fiscal programming, force structure, and flying hours for senior AF leaders creating the Program Objective Memorandum and the President's Budget.
- Speechwriter To The Secretary Of The Air Force (2005-2007): In year 2005, Col. Rhatigan was appointed as a Speechwriter to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force based in Pentagon. During his job, he prepared speeches, manuscripts, and remarks for the Secretary of the Air Force, which were used for internal AF as well as public arenas. He has also written congressional testimony and has performed policy review of statements and testimony by senior Air Force leaders.
- Commander (2007-2009): Col. Rhatigan has also served as a Commander at 93rd Air Refueling Squadron based in Fairchild Air Force Base in WA. For 2 years, he commanded a worldwide deployable, 100 member, combat ready KC-135 Flying Squadron, and successfully handled a $3.8M flying hour program. He executed $100K budget, and was responsible for flight records, 29 aircrews, safety, aerospace medicine, flight and ground training, standardization/evaluation together with facility upkeep. Colonel Patrick J Rhatigan was also appointed as the Wing Chief of Safety while working with 93rd Air Refueling Squadron.
In addition to these designations, Col. Rhatigan has also served as a Military Assistant to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs at the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group.