The Air Force undersecretary has also served as executive agent for space, but Erin Conaton, who was nominated Nov. 10 to fill the post, is being brought in for her management expertise and does not have the same space background as predecessors like former USAF undersecretaries Ron Sega and Peter Teets did when they guided Air Force space efforts. Speaking at AFA’s Global Warfare Symposium in Beverly Hills, Calif., Nov. 20, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said, “Erin’s confirmation … will prompt a review of how to reorganize for management oversight of space acquisition, executive agency [for space], and other activities in the Air Force headquarters.” Donley previously indicated he wants USAF to regain that role. (At her confirmation hearing Nov. 19, Conaton noted ongoing reviews not only of space acquisition issues but management structure, as well.)
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
