LtCol Pacatte , attended San Diego State University and received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 1998.  He was subsequently commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation through the NROTC Program.

      Upon completion of TBS in March 1998, LtCol Pacatte underwent Naval Aviation training in Pensacola, FL before being designated a Naval Aviator in January 2001. LtCol Pacatte was then assigned to HMM(T)-164 aboard MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for CH-46E Fleet Replacement training.

     In September 2001, LtCol Pacatte reported to HMM-268, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA.   The squadron deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February to September 2003.  Upon completion of this deployment, LtCol Pacatte attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course and became the squadron Pilot Training Officer.  In the Summer of 2004, HMM-268 again deployed to Iraq is support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II and participated in Operation Phantom Fury.  During his four-year tour at HMM-268, LtCol Pacatte also served as the Ground Safety Officer, Ground Training Officer, and Schedules Officer.

     LtCol Pacatte next reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in July 2005.  During this four-year tour, he served as a CH-46E tactics instructor, the squadron Standardization and Training Officer, and the CH-46E Division Head. 

      In August 2009, LtCol Pacatte next reported to the U.S. Naval War College to attend resident Command and Staff where he earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction. 

      Upon graduation in June 2010, LtCol Pacatte reported to HMM-364, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as the Squadron Operations Officer, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Executive Officer, and Detachment Officer-in-Charge aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD-20) during WESTPAC 12-2 deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 

      In July 2013, LtCol Pacatte reported to U.S. European Command where he served as a member of the Security Cooperation and Partnering Division within the J-5 Directorate until May 2015.  LtCol Pacatte then commanded Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, home of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (“Marine One”) from June 2015 to July 2017.

      Upon successful command, LtCol Pacatte was then selected to attended the Marine Corps War College where he earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies in June 2018.  Following his studies at the Marine Corps War College, LtCol Pacatte participated in a year-long fellowship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. serving as the Senior Commandant’s Fellow within the International Security Program.  Most recently, in June 2019, LtCol Pacatte reported for duty as The Basic School Executive Officer. 

LtCol Pacatte’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal (11 Strike/Flight and one single mission Air Medal), three Navy Commendation Medals, and one Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.