18 Facts About Eric Fanning

Eric Kenneth Fanning was born on July 2,1968 and is the president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association industry trade group.

Eric Fanning served as the 22nd Secretary of the Army from May 18,2016, to January 20,2017, the first openly gay leader of a US military service.

Eric Fanning has held a wide variety of roles in Congress, at the Department of Defense, in the White House, and as a consultant.

Eric Fanning is only person to have held senior civilian appointments in the US Army, US Air Force, US Navy, and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Eric Fanning later served as associate director of political affairs at the White House.

Eric Fanning served as deputy undersecretary and deputy chief management officer for the Department of the Navy beginning in July 2009.

Eric Fanning was deputy director of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism.

Eric Fanning testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 28,2013.

Eric Fanning assumed the position of Acting Secretary of the Air Force upon the resignation of Michael Donley on June 21,2013.

Eric Fanning served as Acting Secretary of the Air Force until December 20,2013, making him the second longest-tenured Acting Secretary.

In March 2015, Eric Fanning was named "special assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense ".

Eric Fanning was appointed Acting Under Secretary of the Army and Chief Management Officer by President Obama on June 30,2015.

Eric Fanning left that position on January 11,2016, to concentrate on his confirmation, being succeeded in the temporary position by Patrick Murphy.

The US Senate Armed Services Committee held Eric Fanning's nomination hearing on January 21,2016, and approved his nomination on a voice vote on March 10,2016, though a hold was placed by Senator Pat Roberts, citing comments President Obama had made about closing the Guantanamo Bay prison.

Eric Fanning became the 22nd Secretary of the Army, the largest service branch of the US military, and the first openly gay head of any service in the US military.

Eric Fanning supports allowing openly transgender persons to serve in the military.

In July 2016, Eric Fanning served as the grand marshal of the San Diego Pride parade.

In 2017, the Aerospace Industries Association selected Eric Fanning to become its next President and CEO, succeeding former US Army Lt.