Nuclear Capabilities Directorate activated

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  "A textbook bittersweet day" was the way Col. Clarence "CJ" Johnson, director of the new Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Nuclear Capabilities Directorate, described Jan. 27, as the 498th Nuclear Systems Wing was inactivated and the Nuclear Capabilities Directorate was activated.

Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, AFNWC commander, presided at the ceremony, which opened a new door in the sustainment of the nuclear enterprise.

Before the flag of the 498 NSW was furled and cased, Harencak spoke of the wing's many accomplishments and responsibilities.

"We owe this wing and its people a great debt of gratitude and thanks for what they accomplished in the transformation of the nuclear enterprise," he said.

After being presented a Legion of Merit, Col. Walt Lindsley officially relinquished command of the 498 NSW and said the day was "a day of transition, reflection, new hope and confidence." Lindsley thanked all the members of the 498 NSW for their commitment and teamwork.

Harencak and Johnson unveiled the new Nuclear Capabilities Directorate emblem.

Johnson, who is taking the helm as the Director of the Nuclear Capabilities Directorate, thanked Lindsley for his leadership, mentorship, and friendship, and said he was optimistic about the future because of the men and women of the Directorate who perform critical work to ensure nuclear deterrence and warfighting capabilities for the enterprise.

The Nuclear Capabilities Directorate will be responsible for the acquisition and sustainment functions for Air Force custody nuclear cruise missiles, gravity and reentry vehicle systems, as well as nuclear support equipment.

It will also be responsible for the Service's stockpile stewardship and nuclear logistics agent responsibilities and other critical nuclear enabling functions.