A new Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space was appointed Nov. 18 to lead the way in innovation in Space.

Dr. Troy Meink assumed his new role with the goal of championing the space mission across the DOD, he said, while ensuring cooperation among various DoD, intelligence, civil, commercial and international communities.

“When the opportunity arose for me to take this position, there was a little bit of apprehension and excitement,” Meink said.  “A mentor once told me that if a job doesn’t scare you a little bit, then you shouldn’t take it.  So it fits … but this gives me the opportunity to do good things for the Air Force.”

With the U.S. being one of the leaders in space operations, Meink said, the Air Force’s drive for innovation is critical to maintaining that success.

“We really need innovative solutions now more than ever,” said Meink.  “We don’t have the money to throw at problems that arise, so we are going to have to be more innovative as the budget decreases.”

Our professional and highly trained Airmen are keys to innovation for the Air Force space mission, Meink continued. He will rely heavily on them to come forward in times of need.

“Allowing our Airmen, both active-duty and civilian, to be innovative and push the edges is what is going to keep us on top,” Meink said.  “The Airmen and what they have built is the key to our success.  ”

To Meink, innovation is driven by the challenges of a contested space environment, as well as the budget realities on the ground.  The Air Force has a key role in ensuring our Nation’s success in space.

“The entire world has become more dependent on space,” he said.  “Our Airmen are critical to ensuring we have the ability to operate on and above the Earth to answer to any call.”

As Meink enters his new position, he said he cannot wait to make a difference, while working with Airmen across the space careers to further the space mission in the Air Force.

“I am excited to be here,” Meink said.  “One of the things I am looking forward to is getting out and about with the Airmen.”