1st Black Air Force Secretary Nominee Fights On Despite Debate

Jet, August 3, 1998

For eight months, Florida state Sen. Daryl Jones has been trying to win approval as the first Black Air Force Secretary at the Pentagon.

When President Clinton's nominee finally reached the Senate Armed Forces Committee for a confirmation hearing in Washington, opponents fired so many rounds of criticism that Jones' backers realized that he was flying over enemy territory.

Even the combined support of the Congressional Black Caucus failed to blur the charges against his truthfulness and what many argued was his lackluster flying record.

But Jones, who traded his fighter pilot career for a seat in the Florida Senate, refused to give up his drive for the post, arguing that he was qualified and dedicated.

Backing him was Rep. Carrie P. Meek (D-FL), who said, "We believe the Senate has enough sufficient information on this nominee and should schedule an up or down vote on his confirmation." She described him as "an outstanding nominee" and the first Black from Mississippi appointed to the Air Force Academy.

Committee members predicted that the vote on his becoming a sub-Cabinet figure was slim. Said one, "This vote is going to be very, very close."

Despite the criticism against Jones, Committee Chairman Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) maintained his support for the Black hopeful who admitted that he made a mistake in citing his flying time. He said that he had flown over 5,000 hours when the records showed only 1,100 hours.