President Obama on Thursday nominated Maj. Gen. David Goldfein for promotion to the grade of lieutenant general as he moves to his new assignment as Air Forces Central commander. Goldfein has been Air Combat Command’s director of operations since August 2009. In his new role, he will oversee air operations in Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan. Goldfein will replace Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage at AFCENT’s helm. Like Goldfein, Hostage has been in his current position since August 2009. (DOD release)
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.