Murkowski Votes for Air Force Secretary Nominee
Senator Sees Confirmation as New Start in New Pacific Era
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted to confirm Deborah Lee James as the next Secretary of the Air Force, sharing the following thoughts:
“The Air Force community is incredibly important to Alaska’s identity, and it is being seen in a new light by the Pentagon as we embark on a Pacific era in the military – and the United States Air Force has developed a stronger partnership with Alaska in recent months. Over the past several years the Air Force relationship with Alaska and Congress has suffered from its insular corporate management style that largely ignored the views of stakeholders – the consideration of warm basing Eielson and transferring the F-16s was a prime example. Today's confirmation of Deborah James Lee completes the arrival of a new management team and a new management style that will serve the Air Force well as it navigates its future in this difficult financial period with a new focus.”
Ms. James was confirmed on a vote of 79-6 and will be installed on Tuesday.
(Senator Murkowski visits with Ms.
James in September 2013)
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