Troy Meink

Troy Edward Meink is an American government official who has served as the 27th secretary of the Air Force since 2025. He previously served as the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Early life Meink is from Lemmon, South Dakota. He attended South Dakota State University, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering in 1988. He later attended Ohio State University, earning a master's degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering in 1995 and a doctorate in the field in 1999. He started his career as a KC-135 tanker navigator and instructor and then a lead test engineer for the design and evaluation of ballistic missile test vehicles for the Missile Defense Agency. In this position, he oversaw a budget of over $15 billion to develop satellite capabilities. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate in a 74–25 vote on May 13, and he was sworn in on May 16, 2025.