The Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Howie Chandler to receive a fourth star and take charge of Pacific Air Forces. The President nominated Chandler in the spring to replace Gen. Paul Hester, who is to formally retire Jan. 1. PACAF has scheduled the change of command for Nov. 30.
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.

