US Senate names Indian-American Ravi Chaudhary as new Air Force assistant secretary

On Wednesday, Senate of United States confirms Ravi Chaudhary as assistant secretary of Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. Chaudhary, who is a son of immigrant parents and has Indian ethnic roots, achieved milestone by securing a 65-29 vote in upper chamber of Congress. assistant secretary of US Air Force is one of top leership roles offered by Pentagon. 

position comes with important responsibilities, such as keeping a check on quality of military housing and making sure that Air Force functions sustainably across all operations, including installations and basing strategy. Chaudhary, who hails from city of Minneapolis, always aspired to serve in US Air Force.

A quick look at Ravi Chaudhary's career

According to a press release issued by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chaudhary spent two deces working as an Air Force officer, before joining Federal Aviation ministration. He served as a fighter pilot from 1993 to 2015, a period that saw him partaking in various combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After stepping down from serving in forces, he spent five years working as a top official in FAA's Regions and Center Operations and Office of Commercial Space departments. Furrmore, he was appointed by former US President Barack Obama to visory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

In a statement, Klobuchar revealed why she supported Chaudhary's nomination in Senate. "I am confident that Dr. Chaudhary has qualifications and experience needed for this critical role. Now that he has been confirmed by Senate, I look forward to working with him to support men and women of Air Force," she said.