RALEIGH — A changing of the guard, so to speak, has occurred for North Carolina’s National Guard with the naming of a new chief administrator, known as the adjutant general.
N.C. Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Todd Hunt takes over command as the 41st adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard, replacing retiring Major General Gregory Lusk.
The National Guard in North Carolina includes 12,000 soldiers and airmen.
“General Hunt has been a trusted member of the leadership team and critical to the Guard’s success, particularly during natural disasters,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in a press release. “I am confident that his reputation for preparation and swift response will mean the N.C. National Guard is always ready when called.”
The governor also thanked Lusk for his nine years of service, which spanned across the terms of three governors.
“Brigadier General Hunt is a proven professional and leader. He cares deeply about our soldiers and airmen, North Carolinians and the country,” said Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks in a statement. “His skills and broad experience will without a doubt serve the Guard and the public well, as he builds on the solid foundation already in place.”
Brig. Gen. Hunt had previously been assigned as the director of joint staff and assistant adjutant general for maneuver since Oct. 2016, managing day-to-day operations for multiple combat arms maneuver units.
Hunt, who is a Durham native, was promoted to brigadier general Nov. 9, 2016.
Lusk said of his replacement that the governor “has selected the right leader” to lead the N.C. National Guard.
“BG Hunt is a consummate, professional Soldier with a breadth and depth of experience in domestic and international operations,” said Lusk.
According to his bio, Hunt attended East Carolina University, earning a Bachelor of Science in geology and a minor in military science. He received his commission in 1987 through the school’s Army ROTC Dept. and in 1990 he completed completing initial rotary-wing aviation training at Fort Rucker in Alabama.
In addition, Hunt’s education includes a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and he is a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate Program for Executives in Homeland Defense and Security.
Hunt has deployed twice overseas; once to Kuwait and once to Afghanistan. He has commanded multiple NC Army National Guard aviation units and has served in the past as vice chief of staff for the North Carolina National Guard.
Along with his wife Kim and their two sons, Hunt now resides in the town of Cary, a suburb of Raleigh.
At a retirement ceremony for Lusk held on Nov. 22, Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol, presented Lusk with an appreciation plaque.
The ceremony at the National Guard Joint Force HQ in Raleigh was attended by state law enforcement and other officials, including the governor.
“Major General Lusk has been a friend, a guiding light and a mentor not only to me, but to so many thousands of people around the state and around the world,” Hooks said of Lusk at the ceremony. “His impact has really been global.”
