The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that Harold B. (Buck) Adams, Brigadier General, USAF (Ret.), has been named a Senior Fellow of the Institute. Commenting on the appointment, Institute Board of Regents Member and former DARPA Director Dr. Tony Tether said, “I have known 'Buck' Adams for over 30 years.  Buck never forgot the moral contract with the airman; that if they did whatever was asked of them, that all Air Force officers would always provide the best technical capability that would not only help them do what was asked, but would also maximize the probability that they would return home safely and whole. The Potomac Institute is getting a real patriot whose experience and knowledge will raise the Institute another level or two in stature.”

Mr. Adams added, "The Potomac Institute is a highly respected organization.  It is a recognized leader in conducting ground-breaking research in leading-edge science, technology, and national security issues and then developing and working with the 'whole of government' for their implementation.  It is a special privilege and honor to be named a Senior Fellow.  I look forward to working with the all of the Institute’s members and bringing my military and commercial business experience to what promises to be exciting and fulfilling endeavors." Mr. Adams began his career as a combat pilot in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war, where he flew 137 air combat missions.  He has over 4000 hours in a variety of aircraft.  In 1974, he set the World Speed Record between London and Los Angeles of 3 hours and 47 minutes in the SR-71 Blackbird.  Prior to departing the USAF he served in command and other leadership positions at the Squadron, Group and Wing level.  As the Dyess AFB Vice Wing Commander and then as the Ellsworth AFB Wing Commander, he led their successful conversion to the new B-1B nuclear strike bomber.  He was the Commanding General of Cheyenne Mountain, the nation’s largest nuclear command and control center.  He served as the Deputy Director of the Pentagon Joint Staff J-8 office responsible for developing the first integrated Services Budget for the Chairman (General Colin Powell) and Secretary of Defense (The Honorable Richard Cheney).  Following his 26-year military career, he joined GTE Spacenet as the Vice President for Engineering and Operations responsible for the successful design, installation and operations of digital communications networks (satellite, cellular, paging) for 45 newly-developed and separate companies in the emerging markets of China, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.  For the past several years he has worked with DoD senior leaders and technologists identifying and developing advanced technical capabilities.  He is currently involved in efforts to develop a new jet turbine engine that promises to be 25% to 35% more fuel efficient and to significantly increase operational flexibility.

He earned Master’s of Science degrees in Systems Management from the University of California in 1974 and in Public Administration from Auburn in 1975.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1989.  He completed the Harvard Senior Executive Program in 1990.