Donley to Remain as Secretary of the Air Force

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, shown here visiting troops at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, in October 2008, will remain as secretary of the Air Force under the new administration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ruth Holcomb.)

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2009 -- White House officials announced Feb. 26 that Secretary Michael B. Donley will remain the secretary of the Air Force.

"I am very honored that the president and the secretary of Defense have asked me to continue in this capacity," Secretary Donley said. "It remains a privilege to serve the men and women of the world's finest Air Force."

Several other military civilian leaders also will remain at their assignments, creating continuity and stability for servicemembers.

"I am confident that these distinguished individuals have the commitment and expertise to help guide the Department of Defense at this critical time for our nation," President Obama said. "Under the leadership of Secretary Gates, this group will help us maintain a strong and effective military to accomplish the fundamental goals of keeping America safe, advancing our interests abroad, and restoring American leadership in the world."

As the SECAF, Secretary Donley is responsible for the affairs of the Air Force, including the organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare of its more than 300,000 men and women on active duty, 180,000 members of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, 160,000 civilians, and their families. He also oversees the Air Force's annual budget of approximately $110 billion.

(Report by by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs.)

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