Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy has expressed its profound appreciation for Dr. John Plumb's exemplary service as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Dr. Plumb, who served from March 2022 to May 2024, skillfully managed the Department's strategic capabilities for integrated deterrence, including space, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and countering weapons of mass destruction.
In addition to overseeing the cyber policy portfolio, Dr. Plumb also served as the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense until March 2024. As the first assistant secretary of defense for space policy, his tenure significantly influenced the Department's approach to space warfighting and established trust and confidence with defense and military partners worldwide.
The Office acknowledged Dr. Plumb's exceptional public service and his lasting contributions to the Department of Defense. These include his work on easing classifications on space programs, successful implementation of commercial space integration policy, expansion of partnerships through the Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals Board, overall work on space security, and direction in other aspects of his policy portfolio.
As Dr. Plumb departs from the Department, wishes have been extended for his continued success. Meanwhile, appreciation was also expressed for Dr. Vipin Narang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Starting Monday, May 20th, he will serve as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy.
