Gina Ortiz Jones has been confirmed by the Senate as the Under Secretary of the Air Force, making her the department’s second highest-ranking civilian leader. The former Air Force intelligence officer was selected for the post by President Joe Biden in April. Jones was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program while studying at Boston University and has spent her career working to protect U.S. economic and national security. During her time in the Air Force, Jones served as an intelligence officer and deployed to Iraq with the 18th Air Support Operations Group, supporting close air support operations.
Jones brings insight to the effort of diversity and inclusion as a member of the LGBTQ community who served under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” After leaving active duty, Jones remained closely connected to efforts to ensure the nation’s security, advising on military operations in Central and South America with the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade and U.S. Army South. She also served in the Libya Crisis Intelligence Cell as an inaugural member of U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.
Jones will be taking over a position currently filled by Anthony Reardon, administrative assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, who has been performing the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force since Feb. 2. With her confirmation accomplished, Jones is set to become a key figure in the Air Force’s leadership team.
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