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TRUMP CHOOSES KC-135 NAVIGATOR, TROY MEINK AS SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE


By Buddy Blouin

Airmen will be welcoming new leadership, as Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Troy Meink as the Secretary of the Air Force. As one of the leaders of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Meink would need to bring his expertise to a military branch that continues to rise in importance due to complicated, global threats.

Who Is the Secretary of the Air Force?

Donald Trump took to social media on January 16, 2025, to announce that he was nominating Dr. Troy Meink as the Secretary of the Air Force.

"I am pleased to announce that Dr. Troy Meink will be the next United States Secretary of the Air Force. Troy currently serves as the Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and began his career as a KC-135 Tanker Navigator, and later, as a test engineer for missile defense systems. Troy will work with our incredible Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to ensure that our Nation’s Air Force is the most effective and deadly force in the World, as we secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," wrote Trump on Truth Social.

Dr. Troy Meink's Background & Experience

Air Force Veteran Troy Meink began his career in 1988 through the ROTC program at South Dakota State University, serving as a KC-135 Stratotanker Navigator and Instructor.

Over his career, he completed 100 sorties, including eight combat missions in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort.

He later became a lead test engineer for the Missile Defense Agency and held prominent roles, including deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for space under President Obama.

Meink also directed the acquisition of signals intelligence systems for the National Reconnaissance Office.

His selection by President Trump as the next U.S. Air Force Secretary​ underscores the emphasis on space as a critical component of national defense and the development of the Space Force.

Under Secretary of the Air Force

Melissa G. Dalton serves as the 28th Under Secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration; however, her replacement under Trump should be former Space Force Guardian, Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier, pending his confirmation.

The change would be stark for the position as Dalton brought over 20 years of experience in defense to the position but operates differently than Lohmeier, who is known for his controversial views.

What Does the Secretary of the Air Force Do​?

The role of the Secretary of the Air Force is to oversee the organization, training, and equipping of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

This means managing a budget of $200+ billion and ensuring almost 700,000 personnel are ready to defend our nation.

Reporting to the Secretary of Defense, the role works with the Under Secretary, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Chief of Space Operations in the pursuit of excellence.

The Secretary of the Air Force under the Trump administration is facing a number of concerns, including a limited recruiting pool and rising global conflicts. Whoever earns the nomination will have to hit the ground running.

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