January DropZone 2014 | Page 6

Deborah James swears in

On January 24th, 2014 Deborah James was sworn in at the Pentagon as the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. She replaces Eric Fanning in this position. She started acting as Secretary of the Air Force on December 20th, 2013. James has served as assistant defense secretary for Reserve Affairs, as well as a “staffer on the House United Arms Committee and in the private sector.” James entered her position at an interesting time.

Almost as soon as Deborah James begins her position of Secretary of the Air Force, she is faced with a predicament that she is addressing and will be addressing for some time. In early January, it was discovered that 34 Air Force officers have cheated on their proficiency tests.