Who was the first Secretary of the Air Force?

The first Secretary of the Air Force was William Stewart Symington, who served from September 18, 1947, when the Department of the Air Force was established, until May 31, 1948. His role was crucial in the early years of the Air Force as it transitioned from being part of the Army to an independent service branch. Symington oversaw significant developments during a pivotal time in military aviation history, including the establishment of policies and organizational structures that shaped the Air Force's future.

The other individuals listed in the options played different roles in military history but were not the first Secretary of the Air Force. General Henry Harley Arnold was an influential figure in the development of the Army Air Forces and later became a five-star general, and Major Charles Loring was known for his contributions in combat. Admiral Mike Mullen served as a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is a separate role within the military hierarchy. While they all held significant positions, none had the initial leadership role of the Secretary of the Air Force that Symington did.