Biography
Col James M. Ratti

Col James M. Ratti is the Director of Training Systems Management at the Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah.  He is responsible for the sustainment and upgrades of flight simulators, aircrew, and maintenance training devices throughout the Air Force.

Col Ratti was born in Hanover, PA on 26 Jul 58. He enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation from South Western High School in June of 1976. An Honor Graduate of both Basic and Technical Training, his first assignment was to the 19th Bombardment Wing, Robins AFB GA, where he served as a B-52 Avionics Technician.

In November of 1977, Col Ratti entered the USAF Academy Preparatory School, and subsequently graduated from the Academy as an Electrical Engineering major in June of 1982.

After completing Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus AFB, MS in 1983, he was trained as a KC-135 pilot and assigned to Blytheville AFB, AR. While there, he held a variety of Squadron and Wing positions, and served as Executive Officer to the Deputy Commander for Operations. He also completed a Masters Degree in Operations Management.

In January of 1988, Col Ratti joined the 4950th Test Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, where he flew diverse C-135 testbed aircraft in support of the Strategic Defense Initiative and other programs. He also attended Squadron Officer School, and was a distinguished graduate.

He was selected to join Detachment 1, 4950th Test Wing (Project Speckled Trout) at Andrews AFB, DC in August of 1989. During his tenure there, he flew numerous worldwide executive airlift missions in support of our nation’s senior military and civilian leadership. He also played a key role in the ground and flight test of various advanced avionics systems.

Col Ratti moved to the F-16 System Program Office, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH in August 1992, and served as the Deputy Chief of Avionics Engineering, and as the Avionics Support Integrated Product Team Lead. His duties included providing engineering and program management for the development and upgrade of U.S. and foreign F-16 avionics systems.

After completing Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL in June of 1996, he was selected to join the faculty there. He was the Chief of Internet Applications, developing and teaching a variety of courses related to computer and Internet technology. 

In April of 1997, he was selected to be the Commander of the 412th Flight Test Squadron (Project Speckled Trout) at Edwards AFB CA.  During his three-year tour there, his squadron provided worldwide executive airlift for senior DoD military and civilian leaders such as the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Chief and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.   His squadron also flight tested various developmental avionics systems, such as the revolutionary Passive Millimeter Wave Camera.  This device can "see" through clouds and fog, and projects an image of the landing environment on a Head Up Display, allowing pilots to make autonomous approaches and landings to airfields without ground-based navigational aids.

Col Ratti joined the Training Systems Product Group (TSPG) at the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB in April of 2000.  He served as the Chief of the Program Support Division and was responsible for providing manpower/personnel and information management services to an organization of 250 people.  He also led business development and new-work planning efforts for the TSPG, and he led the team which structured, awarded and administered a $3.0B training products/services and support contract.

He transferred to the F/A-22 System Program Office in April 2002 (also at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), where he was a division chief responsible for the F/A-22/F119 engine development and production program.

Col Ratti assumed his present duties in July of 2004.

Col Ratti’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal (2 OLC), and the Air Force Achievement Medal (1 OLC). He is a Command Pilot with over 3,800 hours in nine variants of the C-135, as well as other aircraft.

His outside interests include computers, biking, classical music and cooking. He is married to Ellen Kincaid (USAF Academy Class of ’80) of Austin, Texas. They have no children.