USAF Gen. John Hyten on Nov. 21 officially became the 11th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a swearing in ceremony at the Pentagon.
Hyten previously was the commander of US Strategic Command, and handed over that position to Navy Adm. Charles Richard during a Nov. 18 ceremony at Offutt AFB, Neb.
Hyten takes over the position vacated by now-retired USAF Gen. Paul Selva.
He was first nominated for the vice chairman position in April, and faced a tumultuous confirmation process after an accusation of sexual assault emerged, following an Air Force investigation that cleared him.
The Senate confirmed Hyten on Sept. 26 by a vote of 75-22.
Hyten, with an extensive background in space and nuclear operations, is expected to be a key leader in the stand up of US Space Command and in the possible creation of the new Space Force.