Selects Air Force Veteran and Space Agency Official Troy Meink

President-elect Donald Trump has finalized his service secretary roster by selecting Troy Meink as the next Air Force head. Meink has extensive experience with the branch and space operations.

Meink joined the US Air Force through South Dakota State University’s ROTC program in 1988. He served through 8 combat missions and 29 combat support missions during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. The South Dakotan has continued working with the Air Force as a civilian in many space-related roles, including as the deputy secretary of the Air Force for Space.

In 2020, Meink was appointed Principal Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (PDDNRO). He remains in this role managing day-to-day NRO operations and working alongside the Space Force.

Meink’s connection to the Space Force hints at a possible increased focus on space operations under the Trump Administration. This piles on Trump’s selection of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Efficiency.

“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,” stated Trump.

Hegseth is a former Fox News host and Army National Guard officer. The nominee faced significant controversy during his recent Senate confirmation hearing due to allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, his views on women in military service roles, and the potential part he played in pardoning men accused of war crimes.

Announcing Meink as the next Air Force head completes Trump’s service secretary selections. He chose businessman John Phelan for the Navy, and Army veteran and JD Vance’s senior adviser Danial Driscoll for the Army. Other defense-related picks include billionaire Stephen Feinberg as deputy defense secretary and Elbridge Colby to be the Defense Department’s undersecretary.

FMI: www.af.mil