Sue Payton formally stepped down from her post as the Air Force’s top weapons buyer on April 8 after more than two-and-a-half years in the post. Air Force spokeswoman Karen Platt told the Daily Report yesterday that, at Payton’s request, there was no statement issued on her departure or any other fanfare. David Van Buren, who had been serving since last year as Payton’s principal deputy, is now the acting head of USAF’s acquisition office. We reported last week that Payton’s departure was pending.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.