Gustave F. Perna | |
|---|---|
 Perna in 2016 | |
| Born | (1960-04-05)5 April 1960 (age 65)[1] Rockaway, New Jersey, U.S.[1] |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1981–2021 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | United States Army Materiel Command Joint Munitions Command Defense Supply Center Philadelphia 4th Sustainment Brigade 64th Forward Support Battalion |
| Battles / wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal (4) Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) |
Gustave F. Perna (born 15 April 1960)[1] is a retiredUnited States Armyfour-stargeneral who last served as the chief operating officer of thefederal COVID-19 response for vaccine and therapeutics. He previously served as the chief operating officer ofOperation Warp Speed from July 2020 until the operation's duties and responsibilities were transferred to theWhite House COVID-19 Response Team in February 2021. As chief operating officer of COVID-19 response, he oversaw the logistics in theUnited States federal government's distribution of thevaccine to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[2] The Senate confirmed his nomination as chief operating officer on 2 July 2020,[3][4] and he assumed the office shortly after.[5]
Perna previously served as the 19th commanding general ofUnited States Army Materiel Command from 30 September 2016 to 2 July 2020. He also served for two years as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, overseeing policies and procedures used by all United States Army logistic personnel throughout the world. Prior to joining the Army staff he served for two years as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/4, United States Army Materiel Command.[6]
Perna retired from the Army on 2 July 2021 after over 40 years of service.[7]
Born inRockaway, New Jersey, Perna is a New Jersey native who attendedMorris Hills High School, before graduating fromValley Forge Military Academy and College with an associate degree in business administration.[1] Graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, infantry officer in 1981 via theEarly Commissioning Program from Valley Forge.[8] He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from theUniversity of Maryland and a master's degree in logistics management from theFlorida Institute of Technology (1992). His military education includes: Infantry Officer Basic Course, Ordnance Officer Advanced Course, Logistics Executive Development Course, Support Operations Course, Command and General Staff College and Senior Service College.[6]
Perna's command assignments include:
Perna's staff assignments include:
Perna's nomination for promotion to commandinggeneral of theUnited States Army Materiel Command (AMC) was confirmed by theUnited States Senate on September 15, 2016.[9] He assumed command on September 30, 2016.[6] In March 2020, his deputy Lieutenant GeneralEdward M. Daly was confirmed as his successor at AMC.[10] In May 2020, Perna was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the White House'sOperation Warp Speed effort to quickly develop aCOVID-19 vaccine.[11][12] In June 2020, he was nominated to continue serving as an Army general in the position of COO, and was confirmed the next month by the Senate.[3]
According to Politico's "National Security Daily" newsletter of 27 October 2022, "Retired Gen. GUSTAVE PERNA will serve as chief operating officer of DEFCON AI, a startup that will bring artificial intelligence to defense logistics."[citation needed]
Perna's military awards include:[13]
 Basic Parachutist Badge |
 Air Assault Badge |
 Army Staff Identification Badge |
 4th Infantry DivisionCombat Service Identification Badge |
 Army Ordnance CorpsDistinctive Unit Insignia |
 5Overseas Service Bars |
 Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
  Army Distinguished Service Medal with three bronzeoak leaf clusters |
 |
 Legion of Merit |
 |
 Defense Meritorious Service Medal |
 Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters |
 Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters |
 |
 Joint Meritorious Unit Award |
 Valorous Unit Award |
 Meritorious Unit Commendation |
 Superior Unit Award |
  |
 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
  Iraq Campaign Medal with two service stars |
 Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
 Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal |
 Armed Forces Reserve Medal |
 Army Service Ribbon |
  Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronzeaward numeral 4 |
 United Nations Medal (for UNOSOM mission in Somalia) |
 NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia |
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.VFMC Class of 1981 alumni, U.S. Army Major Gen. Gustave F. Perna has been nominated by President Barack Obama for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general.
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics ofUnited States Army 2014–2016 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Commander ofUnited States Army Materiel Command 2016–2020 | Succeeded by |
| New title | Chief Operating Officer,Operation Warp Speed 2020-2021 | Office abolished |
| New title | Chief Operating Officer,COVID-19 Response for Vaccine and Therapeutics 2021 | Office abolished |
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