USecAF nominee testifies before Senate committee

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Eric Fanning testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Feb. 28 during his confirmation hearing to be the next under secretary of the Air Force.

"I come from a family with a long history of service in uniform -- two uncles graduated from West Point and made careers in the Army, another uncle served a career in the Air Force, a cousin flew helicopters in the Marine Corps. I learned from an early age the importance of service and developed early on a deep respect and admiration for those who serve in uniform," Fanning said during his opening statement.

His own service not only includes his current time with the Department of the Navy - serving as the deputy under secretary and deputy chief management officer -- but also the House Armed Services Committee, the White House, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, Business Executives for National Security, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

"I have been immensely proud to serve these last four years with the men and women of the Navy and the Marine Corps, and if confirmed, I very much look forward to becoming part of the Air Force family," he said. "It would be my honor to play a role in making sure that the best men and women our country has to offer get all the support they need in undertaking the mission of defending our country, a mission for which they freely volunteer."

Fanning, who has been in his current position since June 2009, answered questions from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee about acquisition programs, cyber security, sequestration and budget, sexual assault prevention and response, and other areas.

"The Air Force faces many challenges, well known by this committee," Fanning said. "But it is a proud organization with a rich history. And its greatest strength, of course, is its people - almost 700,000 active duty, National Guard, Reserve and civilians who make up the Air Force, along with their families."

Fanning vowed, if confirmed, to work closely with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III to focus on challenges and opportunities affecting the Air Force and its Airmen.

"If confirmed into the Air Force, taking care of the men and women who volunteer to serve, would be the highest priority," he said.

If confirmed by the Senate, Fanning will follow Erin Conaton, who left the Air Force under secretary position in June 2012. Dr. Jamie Morin currently serves as the acting under secretary of the Air Force, a position to which he was appointed July 3.

The Air Force under secretary is responsible for Department of the Air Force affairs on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force, including the organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare of its nearly 700,000 Total Force Airmen, and their families.

The under secretary also serves as the chief management officer of the Air Force, the senior Air Force energy official, and the focal point for space within Air Force Headquarters.