The Senate has confirmed Air Force Gen. Kevin Chilton to take control of US Strategic Command, just one day after his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The President nominated Chilton, who currently heads Air Force Space Command, for the new post in July. Replacing Chilton at AFSPC will be Lt. Gen. Bob Kehler, who has served as deputy commander at STRATCOM and recently was confirmed for a fourth star.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
