By Emelie Rutherford
Acting Air Force Secretary Michael Donley has been officially confirmed for the post he has held since June 21.
The Senate voted to confirm Donley’s nomination as air service secretary last night.
After several months of delay the Senate Armed Services Committee favorably reported out Donley’s confirmation last week.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) had placed a hold on Donley’s confirmation in the full Senate because of concerns stemming from the controversial Air Force tanker competition. Yet Cantwell lifted the hold last week after receiving classified information she was waiting for from the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates forced the resignations of former Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley on June 5, purportedly over nuclear stewardship shortcomings. Gates then recommended Donley and Schwartz, the previous head of U.S. Transportation Command, as their replacements. The Senate confirmed Schwartz for the chief of staff post on Aug. 1.
Donley previously was Pentagon director of administration and management.