Air Force Secretary Michael Donley presented outgoing Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton with the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, citing her invaluable contributions to the service. During the May 30 presentation ceremony at the Pentagon, Donley honored Conaton for her “extraordinary leadership, strategic vision, and superb management” during her two-year-plus tenure as Air Force’s No. 2 civilian. Among her duties, she was the service’s chief management officer and lead for space and energy matters at the headquarters level. “It has been truly an honor to serve,” said Conaton, who later this month will assume her new post as undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. She added, “To be part of this organization has been exceptional, and to be affiliated with this group of leaders is just remarkable.” (Washington, D.C., report by TSgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.