Throwback Thursday -- Eric Fanning

Welcome to Throwback Thursday, Inside Defense's weekly look back at what was happening on or around this day in years past.

In late January 2014, Eric Fanning ended his stint as acting Air Force secretary after Deborah Lee James was ceremonially sworn in. Her confirmation had been held up in the Senate for almost six months.

At the event, military officials paid tribute to Fanning, who filled in during the lengthy process.

Today, Fanning faced his own confirmation hearing to become Army secretary. That hearing came shortly after Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans argued Fanning should no longer be in the role in an acting capacity. The Pentagon then temporarily removed him from the post.

Full 2014 story: Deborah Lee James Ceremonially Sworn in Six Months After Nomination