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.)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
