Eric Fanning on Monday became the Air Force’s undersecretary, filling a position that’s been vacant since June 2012. “I look forward to being part of the Air Force family,” said Fanning, who took the oath of office during a ceremony in the Pentagon, according to an April 29 service release. He added, “I am honored by this opportunity and look forward to stand beside Secretary [Michael] Donley in making sure the men and women of this great service receive the support they need in undertaking the mission of defending our country.” Donley said Fanning “will be a tremendous asset to our Air Force and our leadership team.” President Obama nominated Fanning in February. The Senate confirmed Fanning for the post on April 18. He had been serving since 2009 as the Navy’s deputy chief management officer. The undersecretary is responsible for Air Force matters on behalf of the Secretary and serves as the service’s chief management officer, its senior energy official, and focal point for space at the headquarters level. Jamie Morin, acting undersecretary since last July, will continue in his role as the Air Force’s assistant secretary for financial management and comptroller, states the release.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…