Gary A. Ashworth

Gary A. Ashworth is an American retired lieutenant colonel who served as the acting United States Secretary of the Air Force from January 2025 until the Senate confirmed Dr. Troy Meink on 13 May 2025.

Gary Ashworth
Official portrait, 2025
United States Secretary of the Air Force
Acting
In office January 20, 2025 – May 13, 2025
President	Donald Trump
Deputy	Jennifer L. Miller (acting) Edwin Oshiba (acting)
Preceded by	Frank Kendall III
Succeeded by	Troy Meink
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition
Acting
In office May 29, 2024 – January 20, 2025
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Cara L. Abercrombie
Succeeded by	Brent Ingraham (acting)
Personal details
Education	Lehigh University (BS) South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (MS)
Civilian awards	Distinguished Civilian Service Award
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1988–2009
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Military awards	Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (4) Air Force Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Air Force Achievement Medal

Education

Ashworth received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in 1987, and a Master of Science in electrical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1994.^[1][2]

Career

Ashworth served in the Air Force for over 20 years, before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.^[1]

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump appointed Ashworth the acting United States Secretary of the Air Force.^[3]