Richard De Fatta to Retire from U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command After 50 Years of Service

Richard P. De Fatta, Deputy to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, will retire on Feb. 27 after nearly 50 years in public service. His career includes key leadership roles, significant achievements in space and missile defense capabilities, and multiple awards for workplace excellence. De Fatta's military background, influenced by his father's service, includes degrees in engineering and physics, and numerous military honors. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork in his accomplishments.

Published Mar 28, 2026

Richard P. De Fatta will retire from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) on February 27, concluding nearly 50 years of service.

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He has held various leadership roles, including director of the Technical Center and Capability Development and Integration Directorate, and established the Center of Excellence. Under his leadership, USASMDC received the Best Place to Work in the Army award multiple times.

De Fatta's military career began at West Point and includes significant achievements in space defense technology. He received multiple military honors and returned to the Army after retiring in 2005 to lead emerging technology efforts.