The Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF or SAF/OS) is the Head of the Department of the Air Force, a component organization within the U.S. Department of Defense. The Secretary of the Air Force is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. The Secretary reports to the Secretary of Defense and/or the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and is by statute responsible for and has the authority to conduct all the affairs of the Department of the Air Force.