Air Force undersecretary honored for exceptional service

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.
  • Air Force Public Affairs Agency
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --   For her distinguished performance as undersecretary of the Air Force, Erin C. Conaton was presented the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service during a ceremony May 30 here.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented the decoration to Conaton, who assumed the office of the service's undersecretary in March 2010. She will be sworn in as the new Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in June.

"(Conaton) has exercised extraordinary leadership, strategic vision and superb management during her tenure as the undersecretary of the Air Force," Donley said during the ceremony.

From the beginning of her tenure with the Air Force, Conaton's insight and forward thinking made her an invaluable member of the service's leadership team, Donley said.

As part of her duties, Conaton served as the Air Force's Chief Management Officer, its headquarters focal point on space matters and the service's senior energy official.

"It has been truly an honor to serve," Conaton said, attributing the recognition to the dedication of her Air Force teammates and the superb mentorship she has received throughout her career.

"To be part of this organization has been exceptional, and to be affiliated with this group of leaders is just remarkable," Conaton said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the Department of Defense under Secretary Leon Panetta, in support of our superb U.S. military members and their families."