Major Pacatte attended San Diego State University and received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 1998. He was subsequently commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation through the NROTC Program.

Upon completion of TBS in March 1998, 2ndLt Pacatte underwent Naval Aviation training in Pensacola, FL before being designated a Naval Aviator in January 2001. 1stLt Pacatte was then assigned to HMM(T)-164 aboard MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for CH-46E Fleet Replacement training.

In September 2001, 1stLt Pacatte reported to HMM-268, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA. The squadron deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from February to September 2003. Upon completion of this deployment, Capt Pacatte attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course and became the squadron Pilot Training Officer. In the Summer of 2004, HMM-268 again deployed to Iraq is support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II and participated in Operation Phantom Fury. During his four-year tour at HMM-268, Capt Pacatte also served as the Ground Safety Officer, Ground Training Officer, and Schedules Officer.

Capt Pacatte next reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in July 2005. During this four year tour, he served as a CH-46E tactics instructor, the squadron Standardization and Training Officer, and the CH-46E Division Head.

In August 2009, Major Pacatte next reported to the U.S. Naval War College to attend resident Command and Staff where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction.

Upon graduation in June 2010, Major Pacatte reported to HMM-364, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as the Operations Officer until assuming his current billet as Executive Officer.

Major Pacatte's awards include the Air Medal (11 Strike/Flight and one single mission Air Medal), three Navy Commendation Medals, and one Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.