Air Force announces AFRL commander's nomination for third star, new assignment Published Jan. 21, 2011 Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Report WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force announced Jan. 20, 2011, the President's nomination of Maj. Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, Air Force Research Laboratory commander, for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general, and assignment as commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. "I'm deeply honored by this nomination and if confirmed will be privileged to continue serving with the men and women who defend America," General Pawlikowski said. As AFRL commander, General Pawlikowski is responsible for managing the Air Force's $2.2 billion science and technology program as well as additional customer-funded research and development of $2.2 billion. She is also responsible for a workforce of approximately 10,800 people in the laboratory's component technology directorates, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the 711th Human Performance Wing. Prior to joining AFRL, the general was deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Va. The general has also served in a variety of technical management, leadership and staff positions, to include director of the Airborne Laser Program, commander of the MILSATCOM Wing, and vice commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center. The Air Force has not yet announced a replacement for General Pawlikowski.