WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today administered the oath of office to retired Major General Robert L. Smolen to be Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Smolen will oversee the nuclear weapons program for NNSA and will be responsible for ensuring that the nuclear warheads in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile continue to remain safe, secure, and reliable without underground nuclear testing.

“The experience that Bob brings to this job will advance our efforts to achieve a smaller, safer, and more secure nuclear weapons stockpile consistent with national security needs,” Secretary Bodman said.  “NNSA has a vital national security mission and I have full confidence that Bob will be an important member of our team.”

President Bush nominated Major General Smolen on July 30, 2007, and he was confirmed by the Senate on November 16, 2007.  Previously, Smolen served as commander for the Air Force District of Washington until his retirement from the United States Air Force in August of this year.  Prior to that, Smolen served as the Director for Strategic Policy and Arms Control at the National Security Council.  From 1998-2004, Smolen held various positions at the Pentagon, including Director of Nuclear and Counterproliferation for the United States Air Force headquarters and Director for Manpower and Personnel for the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Smolen served as commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma from 1996-1998.

“I am eager to be a part of the future of NNSA’s Defense Programs, and moving towards a more efficient complex.  I am honored to be entrusted with such an important job, assisting DOE’s mission of ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile,” said Smolen.

Smolen received a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania.  He earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Political Science from Auburn University in Alabama.  Smolen lives in Northern Virginia with his wife.  They have three adult children.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a separately organized agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science.  NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad.

Visit the National Nuclear Security Administration for more information.

Media contact(s):
John Broehm, NNSA, (202) 586-7371
Megan Barnett, DOE, (202) 586-4940