Gustave F. Perna

United States Air Force Parachutist Badge

AirAssault

United States Army Staff Identification Badge

4th Infantry Division CSIB2

Ordnance Corps Regimental Insignia

Gustave F. Perna is a retired United States Army four-star general who served as the Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, a position he held from May 2020 until his retirement. In this role, General Perna was responsible for leading the national program aimed at accelerating the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Prior to his appointment to Operation Warp Speed, Perna had a distinguished military career, serving in various capacities within the United States Army, including as the Commanding General of the United States Army Materiel Command.

Early Life and Education

Gustave F. Perna was born in Rockaway, New Jersey. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1981, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Perna furthered his education by earning a Master's Degree in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Military Career

Throughout his military career, General Perna held numerous leadership positions, demonstrating exceptional skills in logistics and operations. His assignments included various roles within the United States and abroad, emphasizing logistics operations, supply chain management, and strategic planning. Notably, his tenure as the Commanding General of the United States Army Materiel Command showcased his expertise in overseeing a global logistics and supply chain operation, critical to the Army's readiness and sustainment.

Operation Warp Speed

In 2020, General Perna was selected to co-lead Operation Warp Speed, alongside Dr. Moncef Slaoui. This initiative was a pivotal part of the United States government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to facilitate the rapid development and distribution of vaccines and treatments to combat the virus. Under Perna's leadership, Operation Warp Speed achieved significant milestones, including the unprecedented speed of vaccine development and approval, as well as the initiation of a nationwide distribution strategy to ensure vaccines were accessible to the American public.

Retirement

General Gustave F. Perna retired from the United States Army and his role at Operation Warp Speed in 2021. His leadership and contributions to the COVID-19 response effort have been widely recognized and praised for their impact on public health and national security.

Legacy

General Perna's career, particularly his role in Operation Warp Speed, has left a lasting impact on public health logistics and the military's role in national crisis response. His work has contributed to a broader understanding of the importance of logistics and supply chain management in addressing global health emergencies.