Erin Conaton was sworn in Monday as undersecretary of the Air Force, filling a post vacant since August 2007. “This is a great day for the Air Force,” said Secretary Michael Donley. He added, “Erin will be a tremendous asset. Her extensive congressional background, coupled with her experience on national security matters, will enable her to be an outstanding champion for our airmen.” Conaton comes to the Air Force from the House Armed Services Committee where she served since 2007 as staff director. President Obama nominated her back in November 2009. The Senate confirmed her nomination on March 4. “I am extremely honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve with the tremendous men and women of the Air Force,” said Conaton. She added that she resolves to be “a leader who reflects the core values of this great institution.” (SAF/PA report by MSgt. Russell Petcoff)
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.