of the Air Force: successors to duties

§ 8017. Secretary of the Air Force: successors to duties (a) If the Secretary of the Air Force dies, resigns, is removed from office, is absent, or is disabled, the person who is highest on the following list, and who is not absent or disabled, shall perform the duties of the Secretary until the President, under section 6 of title 5, directs another person to perform those duties or until the absence or disability ceases: (1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force. (2) The Assistant Secretaries of the Air Force in order of their length of service as such. (3) The Chief of Staff. 490 (b) Performance of the duties of the Secretary by the Chief of Staff or any officer of the Air Force designated under section 6 of title 5 shall not be considered as the holding of a civil office within the meaning of section 8544 (b) of this title.