The Senate on May 19 also confirmed Maj. Gen. Craig McKinley for a third star and to lead the Air National Guard. McKinley currently serves as assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and programs on the Air Staff. He will succeed Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, who has just retired.
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.