The Honorable E.C. "Pete" Aldridge, Jr. was confirmed as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics on May 8, 2001. In this position, he is responsible for all matters relating to Department of Defense acquisition, research and development, logistics, advanced technology, international programs, environmental security, nuclear, chemical, and biological programs, and the industrial base.

Prior to his appointment by President Bush, Mr. Aldridge was the Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Corporation. He came to that position from McDonnell Douglas Electronic Systems Company where he served as President from 1988 to 1992. He was confirmed as the 16th Secretary of the United States Air Force in June of 1986 and led the department until 1988. Mr. Aldridge has served in a variety of positions within the Department of Defense and private industry, for over 30 years. The positions he held include: adviser to the Strategic Arms Limitation talks in Helsinki and Vienna, senior manager with the LTV Aerospace Corporation, Senior Management Associate in the Office of Management and Budget, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategic Programs, Vice President of National Policy and Strategic Systems Group for the Systems Planning Corporation. and Under Secretary of the United States Air Force, with the responsibility for providing overall direction, guidance and supervision for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Air Force space program. Mr. Aldridge was also an astronaut in training in preparation for his participation as a payload specialist on the first planned mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, which was cancelled because of the Challenger accident.

Mr. Aldridge also maintains active ties with various defense, industry, and aerospace-related groups. In many of these groups he has held leadership roles. His affiliations include: former President and Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and Chair, AIAA Foundation Board; Member, Defense Science Board; National Director and Life Member, Air Force Association; and Member of the Board of Directors, Air Force Academy Foundation, among many others.

Mr. Aldridge has a long and distinguished record of achievement. His outstanding work has earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, among many others.

Mr. Aldridge received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1960 and a Master's of Science Degree, also in Aeronautical Engineering, from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

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