US Air Forces Central Command boss Lt. Gen. John Hesterman was tapped for assignment as assistant vice chief of staff and director of the Air Staff, according to a June 3 Defense Department announcement. Hesterman, a command pilot with more than 2,200 hours in various fighter platforms, has served in his current position since July 2013.
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.
