David Patton

David Patton has been the Chief of Protective Services at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida since November 2023. Patton is responsible for the planning, development, review, execution, and management of NASA Kennedy security, law enforcement, fire, and emergency management program.

Experience

In 2016, Patton was selected to become a Special Agent in the Protective Services Office at NASA Kennedy. He has taken on various responsibilities including investigations program manager, special security officer, agency counter-unmanned aircraft systems program manager, and deputy chief where he oversaw security and law enforcement operations.

He is heavily involved with NASA Kennedy’s launch operations and has led multiple crewed launches and played a major role in the protection of the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the Artemis missions.

Patton began his career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member and combat arms instructor. He instructed various small arms weapons systems to include rifles, pistols, machine guns, and grenade launchers. As a member of Security Forces, he conducted law enforcement patrols and became an area supervisor ensuring the security of nuclear weapons. 

After 12 years, Patton became a federal agent and was accepted into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. In this role, he conducted felony level criminal investigations such as fraud, homicide, possession and distribution of child pornography, sex crimes, and drug distribution. Patton also conducted counterintelligence and counter-terrorism operations and investigations in Japan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He later became a regional criminal investigations operations superintendent and conducted case reviews and mentored junior special agents. He retired after more than 20 years of service to the Air Force. 

Awards/Certificates

Patton received the Silver Snoopy Award in March 2024 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The award recognizes outstanding performance and contributions to flight safety and mission success.

Patton was selected as the 2022 Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Federal Executive Association of Central Florida.

Patton received a certificate of graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center after completing the Criminal Investigator Training Program in 2007.

Education

Patton is a graduate of Bellevue University in Nebraska where he earned a Bachelor of Science in investigations. 

Patton is also a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force where he earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Personal

Patton lives on Merritt Island, Florida, with his wife Lisa and their son Ryan.