Air Force Secretary to Retire

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley will retire in June, the Pentagon has announced.

Donley, who became acting secretary in June 2008 and was confirmed by the Senate four months later, will “return to private life” after a career in national security that spanned four decades.

“It's been an honor and a privilege to serve with our Air Force's great airmen,” Donley said in a statement. “Their accomplishments have been nothing short of impressive, and I'm humbled to be a part of this team. The Air Force has been a way of life for so much of my career, I know it will be bittersweet to say farewell.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who was only sworn into his position in February, said he has already relied on Donley’s counsel.

“Mike has been an invaluable adviser during my first two months as Secretary of Defense and has been an outstanding leader of the Air Force for nearly five years,” Hagel said in a statement. “The Air Force he leaves behind is more resilient and more respected because of his leadership and personal dedication. He will be missed. I wish Mike and his family all the best in the next chapter of their lives."

Donley will officially depart on June 21.