Acting Secretary of the Air Force Bids Farewell

  • Published
  • By Dr. Lawrence J. Delaney
  • Acting Secretary of the Air Force
As I prepare to step down as Acting Secretary, I leave filled with renewed optimism and assurance that the world's greatest Air Force is capable of handling our nation's future challenges.

The world continues to change rapidly, and our total aerospace force of active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilians has consistently proven we can accept change, adapt to change, and posture aerospace power for the future. Some of our more significant capabilities recently implemented include stealth, rapid global response, expeditionary aerospace force operations, and precision attack with significant mass--all of which have resulted from our efforts to position the Air Force as the premier aerospace force in the world. These empowering capabilities guarantee our global superiority as we begin this new century. I am confident the spirit that has led us to adapt successfully to change will continue to strengthen us as we posture our aerospace force for future joint and combined operations.

It was truly an honor for me to serve as your Acting Secretary during this past transition period. As I return to the private sector, I take with me an everlasting interest in the Air Force, its people, and its roles and missions. I am sure you will find your new leadership team to be extremely talented; committed to you, your quality of life, and the aerospace mission; and uniquely experienced to carry on the process of enhancing aerospace power in a changing world.

Thank you for your tremendous support and for all you do for America's Air Force and our great nation, twenty fours a day, seven days a week, in every corner of the world.