The Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday approved the nomination of William LaPlante to be the Air Force’s top civilian acquisition boss. His nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, LaPlante will become the Air Force’s first full-time acquisition leader since Sue Payton left the position in 2009. LaPlante was nominated for the position in October 2013 and has served as USAF’s principal deputy assistant secretary for acquisition since May 2013.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.