THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
C. Robert Kehler, General, USAF (retired); Former Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
Topic: “National Security in the 21st Century”
Location: Ballroom, Nittany Lion Inn
Introduction / Moderator: Eric Barron / Katie O’Toole
Gen. C. Robert “Bob” Kehler is the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. He provides the President and Secretary of Defense with a broad range of strategic capabilities and options for the joint warfighter through several diverse mission areas, including combating weapons of mass destruction, integrated missile defense, ISR, and global strike. He is responsible for the plans and operations for all U.S. forces conducting strategic deterrence and DoD space and cyberspace operations. He has commanded at the squadron, group, wing and major command levels and has a broad range of operational tours in ICBM, space launch, space control, space and missile warning operations.
General Kehler entered the Air Force in 1975 as a distinguished graduate of the Pennsylvania State University Air Force R.O.T.C. program. He commanded a Minuteman ICBM operations squadron at Whiteman AFB, Mo., the Air Force’s largest ICBM operations group at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., the 21st Space Wing at Peterson AFB, Colo., Air Force Space Command, and America’s ICBM force before its transition from Air Force Space Command to Air Force Global Strike Command in December 2009.
General Kehler’s staff assignments include tours with the Air Staff, Strategic Air Command headquarters and Air Force Space Command. He was also assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force’s Office of Legislative Liaison, where he was the point man on Capitol Hill for matters regarding the President’s ICBM Modernization Program. As Director of the National Security Space Office, General Kehler integrated the activities of a number of space organizations on behalf of the Under Secretary of the Air Force and Director, National Reconnaissance Office. He has also served as Deputy Director of Operations, Air Force Space Command, and as Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command.
