Gen. Frank Gorenc, USAF, Ret., is a proven strategic leader, administrator, and communicator. He rose to the highest levels of leadership in the U.S. military as one of 12 Air Force four star generals in NATO and as one of six NATO Command Structure commanders.
During 37 years of service, he led large-scale, diverse and multinational organizations where he earned the reputation as a motivational combat leader, strategic thinker and aggressive innovator capable of delivering solutions for the most complex challenges.
As Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Africa and Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, he simultaneously delivered tailored strategic air power plans to meet the aspirations of European Command, Africa Command and NATO. He led the response to a resurgent Russia, brought initial operational capability to NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defense design and led humanitarian and counter terrorism efforts in Africa. He developed trust, forged relationships and built partnership capacity on three continents and 104 nations.
As Director of the Joint Air Power Competence Center, he directed airpower concepts and strategy development to NATO Allied Command Transformation. The JAPCC is the first and largest ACT Center of Excellence and multinational think tank responsible for identifying and developing concepts, strategies and other innovations to increase future alliance joint airpower potential.
As Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Headquarters Air Staff, Headquarters USAF, he directed the administration and organization of the Air Staff that developed policies, plans and programs; established requirements and provided resources to support worldwide Air Force missions. He was the accrediting official for the International Corps of Air Attaches and the lead for the Air Force Civic Leader advocacy group.
As Commander, Third Air Force, he led more than 30,000 European assigned and Expeditionary Airmen in more than 95 locations and utilized more than 200 assigned aircraft to conduct all operational planning, deployment and execution for worldwide U.S. and NATO combat operations. He was also responsible for their advanced training, professional development and provided for the safety and well-being of European families and dependents. He was the point man for the 2007 Libya campaign and transitioned the U.S. led coalition of the willing to NATO leadership.
Additionally, General Gorenc held a variety of command and staff assignments including command of a squadron, group, wing, an air expeditionary wing and an Air Force district. His extensive experience in wartime, contingency and humanitarian relief operations include participation in operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn, Unified Protector and Inherent Resolve. In addition, he commanded three standing NATO operations: NATO Air Policing, BMD and NATO Augmentation to Turkey missions.
His education includes Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and two master’s fegrees: a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University. He completed the Defense Policy Seminar at George Washington University, the Cyberspace Operations Executive Course at Maxwell Air Force Base and the Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course at National Defense University. Finally, he completed advanced flying training at the Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructor Course at Nellis AFB and the NATO Tactical Leadership Course at Jever Air Base, Germany. He is a seasoned combat fighter pilot, instructor pilot and evaluator amassing over 4,800 flying hours in multiple aircraft including full combat qualification in remotely piloted aircraft and rotary wing craft.
General Gorenc runs his own consultancy company supporting various defense contractors and analysis firms. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates and Draper Oakwood Technology Acquisition Corporation. He is an Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation trustee and life member of the Air Force and National War College Associations.
Retired from the Air Force in 2016, General Frank Gorenc’s active duty biography is available on the Air Force website.