President nominates 28th under secretary of the Air Force Published Sept. 22, 2023 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Ms. Melissa Dalton, Assistant Secretary of Defense Homeland Defense and Global Security, poses for her official portrait in the Army portrait studio at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., March 15, 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Leonard Fitzgerald) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Melissa Dalton was nominated as under secretary of the Air Force by President Joe Biden Sept. 21. If confirmed, Dalton would be the 28th official to hold the position. “On behalf of the Department of the Air Force, we congratulate the Honorable Melissa Dalton on her nomination to serve as the next Under Secretary of the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “I look forward to the Senate’s consideration of her nomination and, if confirmed, working with her on behalf of all Airmen and Guardians.” The position of under secretary of the Air Force assists the Secretary of the Air Force to manage the Department of the Air Force, made up of two military services, the Air Force and the Space Force. Duties of the position include assisting with the development and implementation of policy for organizing, training, and equipping Air Forces and Space Forces comprised of 700,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen and Guardians and their families serving around the world. “Melissa has a distinguished career of service to the nation and service members and their families, including as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities and now assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs,” Kendall said. “Her experience and deep expertise will serve the Air Force and Space Force well. I commend President Biden and Secretary Austin for her nomination.” Kristyn E. Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, has performed the duties of the vacated role of under secretary of the Air Force since March 6, 2023. “The Honorable Kristyn Jones will continue to perform the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force, pending Melissa’s confirmation,” Kendall said. “Kristyn’s dedicated leadership and many contributions to the Department are deeply appreciated.”