COL Carter Deekens assumed responsibility as the Project Manager for Space Superiority and Exploitation (PM SSE) in July 2026. He leads an organization responsible for delivering advanced space and sensing capabilities that transform data from national, space, and terrestrial sources into actionable intelligence for Army operations.

COL Deekens was commissioned as an Armor Officer through the University of Virginia in 2003 and has more than 23 years of experience in acquisition and operational assignments. His first assignment was with 3-7 Cavalry at Fort Stewart, GA as a Scout Platoon Leader and Troop XO, including a year-long deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Following the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, he served as the Troop Commander for 5-15 Cavalry and the Battalion Assistant S-3 for 3-81 Armor at Fort Knox, KY.

He was assessed into the Army Acquisition Corps in 2010 and has served in numerous acquisition roles that include: Military Evaluator at Army Evaluation Command; Assistant Product Manager (APM) for Air Vigilance at Army Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (TENCAP); APM for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) under Program Manager, Special Programs, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM); Department of the Army System Coordinator (DASC); Assistant Executive Officer (AXO) for the Principal Military Deputy (MILDEP) for ASA(ALT); Training with Industry Fellowship (TWI) with Microsoft; Program Manager for Tactical Applications at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); Acquisition Advisor to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army (VCSA). Most recently, COL Deekens was the Executive Officer (XO) for the Army Acquisition Executive at the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) (ASA(ALT)).

COL Deekens holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University.

He has numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and NATO Medal. Additionally, he has earned the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Space Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.

COL Deekens and his wife, Tammy, have three children: Jackson (17), Andrew (16), and Ella (13).