Ciriaco “Gabe” Cantu serves as the Director, Business Operations, Space Training and Readiness Command, United States Space Force. Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is the USSF Field Command responsible for test, training, doctrine and education. STARCOM prepares the USSF and its Guardians to prevail in competition and conflict.

Background

Mr. Cantu has been a federal employee since 2006 with the Air Force and Space Force. He is a senior-level acquisition manager with 23 years’ experience in systems development, fielding, sustainment, and specialized services acquisitions. Mr. Cantu has served in multiple acquisition program manager roles with a career that began at Electronic Systems Center where he supported advanced IT integration and development efforts and research, development, and test efforts for next generation ISR technologies. Mr. Cantu led strategic sourcing efforts at Air Force Space Command implementing cost saving initiatives for multiple base level civil engineering projects. Mr. Cantu also served as the Defense Atmospheric Ground Systems Branch Chief managing a portfolio of space and ground weather programs engaged in system sustainment and modernization.

Prior to his current assignment, Ms. Cantu served as the Deputy Material Leader for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Branch Chief, Peterson Space Force Base (SFB), Colorado. In this role, he served to manage acquisition efforts for developing, integrating, and exploiting ground and space-based systems to improve space domain awareness.

Education

• Master of Business Administration
• Masters in communications
• Bachelor of Technology Management
• Associate in Applied Science in Avionics Systems Tech
• Air Command and Staff College
• Air & Space Basic Course
• Air Force Officer Training School
• DAWIA APDP Level III Certification in Program Management

Notable Awards

• Notable Achievement Award, 2007
• Department of Air Force Achievement Medal, 2005