Who was the first Secretary of the Air Force?

The first Secretary of the Air Force was William Stuart Symington. This position was established as part of the National Security Act of 1947, which created the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the military. Symington took office on September 18, 1947, and played a crucial role in shaping the Air Force's identity and mission during its formative years. His leadership helped to establish policies and priorities that would guide the Air Force's development and operations in the rapidly evolving post-World War II military landscape. Understanding the significance of these early leadership decisions is essential in recognizing how they laid the groundwork for the Air Force's future strategic direction.