Air Force Secretary Michael Donley presented outgoing Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton with the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, citing her invaluable contributions to the service. During the May 30 presentation ceremony at the Pentagon, Donley honored Conaton for her “extraordinary leadership, strategic vision, and superb management” during her two-year-plus tenure as Air Force’s No. 2 civilian. Among her duties, she was the service’s chief management officer and lead for space and energy matters at the headquarters level. “It has been truly an honor to serve,” said Conaton, who later this month will assume her new post as undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. She added, “To be part of this organization has been exceptional, and to be affiliated with this group of leaders is just remarkable.” (Washington, D.C., report by TSgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.)
The first flight of the secretive B-21 bomber has slipped to mid-2022, but the program is moving along well, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director Randall Walden said in an exclusive interview. The second copy of the B-21, which will be used for structural testing, is now on the production…