Matt Donovan, a former F-15 pilot and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee professional staff, was sworn in Friday as Air Force undersecretary.
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson presided over the ceremony at the Pentagon, saying Donovan “understands the mission of Air Force [and] he also understands what it’s really all about,” according to an Air Force news release.
As undersecretary, Donovan will oversee the service’s annual budget of more than $130 billion and is responsible for the organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare of airmen and their families.
“I’m honored and humbled to be given this opportunity,” Donovan said. “It’s a dream come true.”
Donovan, who served for five years as an enlisted airman, was an officer from 1982 to 2008, with more than 2,900 flying hours in the F-15C and F-5E, according to the release.
He previously served as adviser to SASC Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., on fixed wing, manned and unmanned tactical aviation programs for all four services, as well as on Air Force bomber, mobility and special mission aircraft and research and development, aircraft procurement and sustainment programs.
“When you think about the hundreds of thousands of officer, enlisted and civilian airmen who are at this very moment — all around the world — either deterring our enemies or fighting and winning our nation’s wars, it’s all about them,” Donovan said in the release. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this. I look forward to helping Secretary Wilson and [Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein] meet their goals, and to ensuring we sustain the world’s greatest air, space and cyberspace force.”
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
