HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Maj. Gen. Anthony W. Genatempo, the Air Force program executive officer for Cyber and Networks, retired Tuesday during a ceremony held on the Battle Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, marking the end of a 34-year career.
The ceremony brought together Genatempo’s family, including his two children who were recognized with honors, along with currently serving and former military and civilian leaders, and members of the Cyber and Networks workforce.
“As I retire, I'm confident that the Cyber and Networks team is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future,” Genatempo said. “The importance of secure, resilient and reliable communication networks and cyber capabilities will only continue to grow, and I know this team will be ready to meet that demand.”
He added that he is grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside so many during his career.
“I am honored to end my service with this group of talented and dedicated IT warriors and this mission," said Genatempo.
With more than 2,700 personnel under his leadership, Genatempo was responsible for a $21 billion portfolio that sustained Department of the Air Force aerial networks, enterprise information technology and cyber infrastructure, cybersecurity and cryptologic systems, along with software and communications programs.
These systems enable reliable connectivity across the Department of Defense, supporting a vast network of personnel in their most critical missions.
U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, commander of Space Systems Command served as presiding officer for the retirement ceremony.
Among the other distinguished guests were Lt. Gen. Dale White, military deputy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center; and Venice Goodwine, recently retired DAF chief information officer.
Genatempo entered the Air Force in 1991 through the Rutgers University ROTC program. He has held numerous program management and senior leadership positions, including commander of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, program manager for the F-22, deputy division chief of the Tactical, Special Operations Forces and Trainer Aircraft Division and commander of the F-35 Aeronautical Systems Squadron.
The general is a graduate of the Air Force Legislative Fellows Program, where he served as a military legislative assistant for the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He was responsible for working on military and veteran issues for the chairman's district and monitoring legislative activity concerning defense, veterans affairs and military quality of life.
He served as PEO for Weapons and director of the Armament Directorate at Eglin AFB in Florida. Genatempo oversaw the procurement and development of state-of-the-art munitions, legacy weapons and ammunition, combat training systems, threat emitters and aerial targets.
As PEO for Cyber and Networks, he oversaw the transition of the organization from the Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence Networks Directorate in 2024.
He received a Bachelor of Arts in physics at Rutgers in 1991. In 2001, he earned a Master of Business Administration in program management from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He also holds a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the former Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
Genatempo’s major awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Air and Space Achievement Medal.
At the ceremony, he received the Legion of Merit; Distinguished Service Medal; a certificate of appreciation from President Donald Trump; letters of appreciation from former President George W. Bush, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David Allvin, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi and Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
He also received a letter of congratulations from recently retired Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Darlene Costello and a flag flown at multiple locations where Genatempo served during his active-duty career.