Transferred to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force in October 1948, General White became director of Legislation and Liaison. He was appointed, in May 1950, Air Force Member of the Joint Strategic Survey Committee in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was assigned as director of Plans, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, in February 1951, and in July 1951, assumed duties of deputy chief of staff of operations for the Air Force. General White was promoted to the rank of general June 30, 1953, and designated vice chief of staff at that time, becoming Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, July 1, 1957. He retired June 30, 1961.