The Senate has confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Lt. Gen. Frank Gorenc to receive a fourth star for assignment as commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at Ramstein AB, Germany. Officials with the command announced the news on Tuesday, although the Senate’s action actually came several days before that, according to the Senate’s website. “I am pleased and humbled to receive the Senate confirmation,” said Gorenc, the Air Force’s assistant vice chief of staff since April 2012, in Ramstein’s July 2 release. “I have roots in Europe and as an airman have been fortunate enough to spend three tours there, most recently as the commander of 3rd Air Force,” he said. Obama last month tapped Gorenc to lead at Ramstein, filling the void created when now-Gen. Philip Breedlove left there in May to become NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and head of US European Command. In his new post, Gorenc will also lead NATO’s Allied Air Command at Ramstein and the Joint Air Power Competence Center there. The Senate last month approved Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog to replace Gorenc as the assistant vice chief. (Ramstein report by Lt. Col. Carl Grusnick)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.