The Pentagon says the President has nominated Maj. Gen. Donald Wurster to head Air Force Special Operations Command, where he currently serves as vice commander. If confirmed, Wurster would gain a third star and would replace Lt. Gen. Michael Wooley. Wooley has been AFSOC commander since July 2004. Wurster is a 1973 Air Force Academy graduate and served initially as a helicopter pilot, flying HH-3s. Subsequently he has flown HH-60, MH-53J, AC-130, and MC-130 aircraft.He has held numerous staff and command assignments.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.
