The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. Douglas Fraser for promotion to the rank of general to serve as commander of US Southern Command. Fraser is the first Air Force general to head SOUTHCOM, which oversees the US military’s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Fraser, currently the deputy commander of US Pacific Command, was nominated for the SOUTHCOM post in April. He replaces Adm. James Stavridis, whom the Senate confirmed on June 10 to take over US European Command. Stavridis will succeed Army Gen. Bantz Craddock, who is retiring.
The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.