Melissa Dalton is a U.S. defense strategist and former Under Secretary of the Air Force (2024–2025), where she was accountable for nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families and oversaw a $200B annual budget. With a career spanning intelligence analysis, policy advisory roles, and senior defense leadership under multiple administrations, Melissa is known for her expertise in defense, aerospace, and national security affairs and strategic planning.