New manager named for Pendleton UAS Range

PENDLETON – Jesse Steele is the new Pendleton UAS Range (PUR) manager. The city of Pendleton announced the former U.S. Navy operations officer and test pilot for the Department of War’s Defense Contract Management Agency brings over a decade of experience to the range.

Steele has worked in flight operations, mission planning, and test program management. His career includes directing large-scale air operations aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller, managing over 600 flight test missions for rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft and ensuring operational compliance and safety across high-tempo test environments.

“Jesse brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and operational discipline to the Pendleton UAS Range,” Pendleton Airport and Economic Development Director Steve Chrisman said. “His background as a test pilot and operations officer aligns perfectly with our mission of providing fast, flexible, and safe operating environments for commercial and defense customers.”

As range manager, Steele will oversee daily operations, customer coordination, airspace management, and flight safety. He will also advance PUR’s long-term strategy of increasing innovation and economic growth within Oregon’s UAS and aerospace sector. In addition, he will serve as the range’s primary liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and both commercial and defense customers operating in the 14,000 square miles of FAA-approved airspace.

“Pendleton’s reputation for being America’s most turnkey UAS range is well earned,” Steele said. “I’m excited to hit the ground running and join a team that’s known for finding a way to say yes, cutting the red tape, and helping customers move from concept to flight faster and more affordably than anywhere else in the country.”

Photo of Jesse Steele via Pendleton UAS Test Range

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Elkhorn Media Group