Eric Patten Takes Helm of Esri Defense and Intelligence Marketing

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Named Director of Defense and Intelligence Global Solutions

December 15, 2010

Eric Patten joined Esri as director of Defense and Intelligence Global Solutions.

Redlands, California—Whether he was leading a helicopter squadron or navigating the USS Ronald Reagan, U.S. Navy Captain Eric Patten always relied on geospatial technology for the accurate geographic information he and his crew needed to safely reach their destinations. Now aboard as Esri's new director of defense and intelligence global solutions, Patten wants to show other defense and intelligence officers just how useful geographic information system (GIS) technology can be to their organizations, whatever the mission.

"My role is to be an advocate for GIS and a domain expert within defense and intelligence," said Patten, who retired in July 2010 after a 25-year career as a naval officer. "We are going to work hard to educate more decision makers—including those unfamiliar with GIS—about the geospatial solutions and services we offer and help solve their challenges."

Defense and intelligence agencies today use GIS technology to visualize, analyze, and manage data based on geography in areas such as installations and environment, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), logistics, defense force and health protection, and military operations worldwide.

Geography-based analysis provides decision makers with a quick and clear understanding of a situation because they can visualize what's happening immediately, Patten said. "In today's world, things aren't getting slower—things are getting faster," he said. "We strive to provide solutions to our defense and intelligence communities that give them the ability to understand, act, and share information more rapidly."

Esri president Jack Dangermond said Patten will be a major asset to the defense and intelligence marketing team. "As a former high-ranking navy officer, Eric brings valuable insight into what type of geospatial solutions the military will require in the years ahead," Dangermond said. "His knowledge and unique set of experiences—including flying helicopters and navigating a large aircraft carrier—also will make him an excellent liaison to the defense and intelligence communities and Esri partners."

Patten received his bachelor of arts in political science from Washington State University and was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer in 1985. He received his master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2000. He piloted helicopters, flying missions during the Persian Gulf War. He later served as commander of a helicopter antisubmarine squadron. From 2005 to 2007, he was the navigator of the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with a crew of 4,500 personnel. His last post was director of operations and public safety for Navy Region Southwest, which oversees more than 10 installations including Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, and Naval Station San Diego.

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