The Senate has confirmed Melissa Dalton to become the under secretary of the Air Force, responsible for helping the secretary manage the Department of the Air Force and organize, train and equip the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
Dalton received a nomination from President Joe Biden in September 2023 to be DAF’s second highest-ranking civilian leader, the Air Force said Thursday.
Commenting on the confirmation, Frank Kendall, secretary of the Air Force and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, said, “[Dalton’s] expertise and experience are what we need as we continue our efforts to address the security challenges we face in the defense of our country. Her record of public service is impressive, including deployed duties in Afghanistan.”
Dalton’s career includes time as assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs at the Department of Defense, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities and senior fellow and deputy director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies International Security Program.
Most recently, she has been performing the duties of deputy under secretary of defense for policy.
Dalton will take over Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller who has performed the duties of the Air Force under secretary since March 2023.
Register here to join DAF leaders, decision makers and industry experts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Air Force Summit on July 23. Jones is one of the speakers who will give important updates on peer competition, modernization efforts, and cutting-edge technology adoption. Visit the POC site to learn more about the annual event.
