Air
Force Secretary Michael Donley has agreed to stay on the job as SECAF under the Obama administration. Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff, made the announcement, with Donley sitting next to him, Feb. 26 during a press briefing at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando. In a White House press release Thursday, President Obama said of Donley and other former Bush appointees who will stay on: “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. 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.”
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.