CAPT Kate Standifer is the Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Navy Reserve to the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. The Reserve Forces Policy Board serves as an independent adviser to the Secretary of Defense, providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary on strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities, efficiency and effectiveness of the seven Reserve components.

CAPT Standifer grew up in Pasadena, CA. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1998. CAPT Standifer’s first assignment was Patrol Squadron One (VP-1) where she held the following billets: First Lieutenant, Flight Officer, Weapons Training Officer, and Aircraft Division Officer. She was selected for the All Navy and All Armed Forces soccer teams 1999 - 2001.

In October 2002 CAPT Standifer was assigned to NAS Sigonella, Italy as part of the Executive Transportation Detachment (ETD Sigonella), known as “Catbird”. She served as a Flag Pilot responsible for air travel for Commander Naval Forces Europe. While assigned to ETD Sigonella, “Catbird” transitioned from an Active Duty Detachment to a Reserve Component Detachment and from a P-3 aircraft to a C-20 aircraft. In 2005 CAPT Standifer converted to Full Time Support (FTS) and reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Five (VR-55) in Point Mugu, CA. While flying C-130s as an aircraft commander she served as the NATOPS Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer.

CAPT Standifer attended the Naval War College in 2008 and earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Following Joint Professional Military Education II at the Joint Forces Staff College she was assigned to the Joint Staff, J4, Directorate for Logistics, from 2009-2011. She supervised the development and use of global logistics resources to improve readiness and developed national policy, doctrine, and operational plans for mobilizing and sustaining the nation's combat forces.

CAPT Standifer served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Four (VR-54), the “Revelers,” a C-130 squadron in New Orleans, LA from 2011 to 2013. She remains incredibly proud of the men, women and families she served with while in command. From 2014-2016 CAPT Standifer served as an instructor at the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, Newport, RI. She facilitated the Prospective Commanding Officer, Prospective Executive Officer, Command Master Chief and spouse leadership courses and developed leaders for their next career milestone.

CAPT Standifer recently served as the Commanding Officer, Navy Operations Support Center New York City form 2017-2019 and was honored to serve with her Sailors and their loved ones. Her husband is currently Commander, 212 Engineering and Installations Squadron, Massachusets Air National Guard.

Her awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

(Current as of August 2019)