Heather Wilson Sworn in as 24th Air Force Secretary

Heather Wilson was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force in a ceremony on the steps outside the Pentagon Tuesday afternoon. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis administered the oath of office, and Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein offered remarks to herald the opening of what he called “the era of Wilson and Goldfein.” He praised Wilson’s “distinguished Air Force career” and recalled that they were part of the same incoming Air Force Academy class in 1978. “We’re proud to follow you,” he told Wilson, “and I’m proud to fly on your wing once again.” Mattis said Wilson is up to the challenge of leading the service through a time when “air supremacy is not America’s ordained right, and there are other hands pushing on history’s door.” After her swearing in, Wilson praised acting Secretary of the Air Force Lisa Disbrow, saying, “I could not have asked for better help and support to me and the country.” She promised that, as Secretary, she would not “take American air superiority for granted.” She said her tenure would “restore the readiness of the force” and “cost-effectively modernize” the service, while maintaining a “commitment to people.”