KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center recently inducted two new members, the former commanders of Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Global Strike Command, into its prestigious Order of the Nucleus for their extraordinary support of the Air Force nuclear mission.
In 2011, AFNWC established the order to recognize and honor individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the U.S. nuclear enterprise.
General Ellen M. Pawlikowski, who recently retired as the AFMC commander, was inducted for recognizing the need to “improve the priority and quality of support to the Air Force’s nuclear enterprise,” according to her induction citation.
She conceived of AFMC’s new “nuclear materiel management” construct for the Air Force.
Her leadership efforts resulted in more synchronized support of the nuclear enterprise across all six centers within the command, as well as the establishment of a direct support relationship between AFNWC and AFGSC.
She also oversaw the award over $2.5 billion for the design phases of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent and the Long Range Standoff weapon programs.
General Robin Rand, who recently retired as the AFGSC commander, was the most senior officer and leader in the Air Force nuclear enterprise.
According to his citation, he dedicated himself and his command to ensuring the President and the American people “are assured we have a safe, secure, effective and reliable nuclear deterrent that is feared by any adversary and ready to strike if needed.”
“Both of these leaders were instrumental in improving the entire spectrum of the Air Force nuclear mission during their careers, from the acquisition of nuclear weapons to providing combat-ready forces and Airmen to combatant commands,” said Maj. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris, AFNWC commander and program executive officer for strategic systems.
