Colonel ANTHONY G. RHOADES

Col. Anthony G. Rhoades is the Deputy Commander of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The center is responsible for the lifecycle management of nuclear weapons systems supporting two legs of the nation’s nuclear triad, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs); air-launched cruise missiles; gravity bombs; and nuclear command, control and communications integration.
 
In 2002, Col. Rhoades was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps following his graduation from Florida State University, Tallahassee.
 
After graduation, he served in a variety of ICBM operations positions, including combat crew instructor and flight commander for initial training.
 
Additionally, he served as the Director of Operations, 12th Missile Squadron and 341st Operational Support Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana; Chief, Operations and Maintenance Inspections Branch, Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; and Looking Glass Mission Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
 
Most recently, he served as a Battle Watch Commander, Global Operations Center, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska, where he directed daily watch floor operations; carried out the orders of the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and national senior leaders; and ensured persistent command and control of the nation’s nuclear triad.

EDUCATION
2002 Bachelor of Science, Biology, Florida State University, Tallahassee
2002 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Initial Qualifications Training, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
2003 Aerospace Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2008 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2010 Master of Science, Biology, University of Nebraska, Kearney
2011 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2019 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
 
ASSIGNMENTS
  1. May 2002 – December 2002, Student, Officer Space Prerequisite Training and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Operations Training, 381st Training Group, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  2. December 2002 – January 2007, ICBM Combat Crew Deputy/Commander, ICBM Combat Crew Deputy/Commander Instructor, 91st Space Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.
  3. February 2007 – January 2011, ICBM Operations Instructor, Curriculum Developer, Flight Commander, 381st Training Group, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
  4. January 2011 – July 2014, Chief of Air Force Personnel Reliability Program Branch, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
  5. October 2013 – April 2014, Levant Planner, U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Fla.
  6. July 2014 – August 2015, Assistant Director of Operations, 10th Missile Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
  7. August 2015 – July 2016, Chief of Command Post, 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
  8. July 2016 – June 2018, Director of Operations, 12th Missile Squadron/341st Operations Support Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont.
  9. June 2018 – June 2021, Chief of Operations/Maintenance Inspections Branches, Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General, Barksdale AFB, La.
  10. June 2021 – June 2023, Looking Glass Mission Commander, Deputy Chief of Training Branch, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
  11. July 2023 – June 2024, Battle Watch Commander, Global Operations Center, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
  12. June 2024 – present, Deputy Commander, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
  1. June 2021 – June 2023, Looking Glass Mission Commander, Deputy Chief of Training Branch, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb., as a lieutenant colonel
  2. July 2023 – June 2024, Battle Watch Commander, Global Operations Center, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb., as a colonel
 
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Joint Service Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” device