Ortega, a veteran member of Zeon’s elite Black Tri-Stars, began his career as a test pilot under Dozle Zabi alongside comrades Mash and Gaia during the foundational stages of mobile suit development. His expertise with experimental units like the Mobile Worker MW-01 Model 01 Late Type earned him the rank of Warrant Officer. A seasoned warrior with lingering ties to Ramba Ral, Ortega harbored disdain for Char Aznable’s meteoric rise, perceiving it as undeserved nepotism. During the UC 0078 Minovsky defection crisis, he engaged Federation Guncannons in a Zaku I, only to witness the mission collapse after the scientist’s accidental death—a failure that deepened his skepticism toward Char’s flamboyant tactics, including the infamous red Zaku II customization.

At Loum, Ortega cemented his legacy by spearheading the Black Tri-Stars’ ambush on Admiral Revil’s fleet. Driving his heat hawk into the flagship’s bridge, he secured Zeon’s victory and Revil’s capture, though resentment festered as Char’s renown continued to eclipse their achievements. Deployed to Earth, Ortega refined the team’s "Jet Stream Attack" using MS-09 Doms, prioritizing disciplined coordination over reckless engagements. He halted subordinates harassing Hayato Kobayashi in Cuzco, reserving confrontation for the battlefield. During the Urubamba Gorge assault, the trio crippled Federation mobile suits until Amuro Ray’s tactical ingenuity shattered their formation, claiming Mash’s life. Forced to retreat by Matilda Ajan’s interference, Ortega regrouped with Gaia for a final stand at Lake Van.

Leading a Dom squadron, he encircled Sayla Mass and Amuro, only to face the Gundam’s heightened prowess. Outmaneuvered and overpowered, Ortega fell in combat, his decades of service ending alongside Gaia as Zeon’s early triumphs faded into the relentless tide of war.