377 ABW commander set to retire

  • Published
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  Col. Robert L. Maness, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing, officially announced his intent to retire from the Air Force, effective Sept. 1.

Maness, who took command of the 377th Air Base Wing in April 2010, said "After 32 years of serving our country in uniform, my family and I have decided that this is the right time to make this move."

Maness added that he and his family will be relocating to New Orleans, La., where he has accepted an executive position with Entergy, Inc., an electric and gas utility corporation headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Under his command, the wing successfully implemented changes in its operational culture, hosted various distinguished visitors and events, including the President and Vice President, and surpassed requirements during its most recent Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection.

The wing also continued to strengthen gains in the nuclear enterprise mission, ensured expeditionary combat force readiness, deployed continuously rotating combat forces to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provided support to more than 100 mission partners and the base community.

"Col. Maness has done a phenomenal job as 377th ABW commander - we are going to miss him and his leadership and dedication," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. "We are grateful for his 32 years of loyal service to the Air Force and wish him and his family the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives," he added.

Maness, a master navigator, received his commission through Officer Training School. His command experience includes combat operations as commander of the 9th Bomb Squadron "Bats," a B-1 bomber squadron, in addition to his command of the 377th Air Base Wing "Tigers." His staff tours include the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Global Strike Command Headquarters.

A relinquishment of command ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 30. Col. David Hornyak, the current vice commander for the 377th Air Base Wing, will serve as acting commander until Maness's replacement is named and assumes command.