The Senate has confirmed a third star for Maj. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr. and his assignment as commander of 8th Air Force, headquartered at Barksdale AFB, La. (He was nominated earlier this month.) Elder would replace Lt. Gen. Kevin Chilton, who is on his way to take charge of Air Force Space Command. In his new role, Elder will also become space and global strike component commander for US Strategic Command.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.