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Outgoing AFNWC commander honored

  • Published
  • By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, outgoing Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center commander, was inducted Feb. 2 into the "Order of the Nucleus."

As commander of the AFNWC, Harencak created the "Order of the Nucleus" to recognize organizations and individuals who support and have supported the Air Force's nuclear enterprise with great distinction.

AFNWC senior leaders said of his induction, "It is a well-deserved and fitting tribute that the award's founder himself has been selected to receive this honor for his enduring contributions to the Air Force nuclear enterprise."

According to the nomination, the general provided unmatched leadership as he drove the focus for robust nuclear sustainment in a worldwide effort. Additionally, he conducted comprehensive assessments of nuclear weapons storage areas and published recommendations to correct any deficiencies. Furthermore, Harencak led the way during a time of sweeping changes that resulted in the transfer of resources and authority of four munitions squadrons to Air Force Global Strike Command and establishment of a Nuclear Capabilities Directorate under the AFNWC.

The "Order of the Nucleus" nomination further stated that the general has played a pivotal role in identifying and correcting areas of significant concern, strengthening the nuclear enterprise, and streamlining nuclear sustainment. Additionally, Harencak sprang into action after the discovery of a decades-old bulk fuel spill beneath Kirtland AFB. He ensured all remediation options within the law were identified and implemented. His greater understanding of the social and political ramifications have helped to stabilize a difficult public situation and strengthened the community partnership. Harencak's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability in the nuclear enterprise posture the Air Force to sustain its nuclear deterrent capability through 2030 and beyond.

In addition, Harencak will be presented a Distinguished Service Medal during the AFNWC change of command ceremony Thursday, Feb. 7, for his achievements as AFNWC commander since January 2011. The award citation speaks to the enduring impact of the general's outstanding achievements and dynamic leadership in support of nuclear sustainment.

Harencak has been selected for reassignment as Assistant Chief of Staff, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon.

The 1983 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy also holds a Master of Science degree from Abilene Christian University. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the B-52G, B-1B and B2 bombers. His assignments include aircraft command of the B-52; instructor pilot and squadron command in the B-1B; and service as aide to the commander of U.S. Central Command. He also directed the Headquarters U.S. Air Force Executive Secretariat, and served as Deputy Director of Requirements at Headquarters Air Combat Command. Harencak previously commanded the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo. Before commanding the AFNWC, he was Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application, Office of Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.

The AFNWC is composed of a headquarters staff, one wing and two wing-equivalent directorates: the 377th Air Base Wing and Nuclear Capabilities Directorate at Kirtland AFB; and the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate at Hill AFB, Utah. The AFNWC comprises more than 3,500 Airmen at 11 locations in the United States and Europe and is responsible for the entire scope of nuclear weapons sustainment functions.