Rear Adm. Okano is a native of Evanston, Illinois. She is a 1994 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. She earned a Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, where she was also selected for transfer to the engineering duty officer community.

 

Okano’s operational tours include gunnery and fire control officer, and electrical division officer on USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) which she deployed to Somalia; and Amphibious Force 7th Fleet flag aide in Okinawa, Japan. During Operation Iraqi Freedom she served on Joint Crew Composite Squadron One in Tikrit, Iraq to assist with defeating radio-controlled improvised explosive devices.

 

As an engineering duty officer since 2001, Okano had a number of tours in acquisition, starting with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, California; Missile Defense Agency, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System; Military Satellite Communications Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center; and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme. Moving to the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), Okano was the major program manager for Above Water Sensors (PEO IWS 2) overseeing the development and sustainment of all surface radars, electronic warfare systems, and directed energy programs.

 

Her last assignment was as the executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. Her first flag assignment is as the program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems in July 2020.

 

Okano’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and various other individual, and unit campaign and service awards.