President Bush has nominated three Air Force general officers for new positions. If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Stephen Lorenz would receive a fourth star and take charge of Air Education and Training Command, replacing Gen. William Looney. Maj. Gen. Allen Peck is up for a third star and to lead Air University, replacing Lorenz. Also up for a third star is Maj. Gen. John Sheridan, who would head Space and Missile Systems Center, replacing Lt. Gen. Michael Hamel, who plans to retire this summer.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
