Gen. Robert Kehler, the nominee to head US Strategic Command, on Thursday called on the nation to maintain a nuclear triad and to modernize each of the triad’s legs. “It is critically important that we continue with both sustainment and modernization of all the legs of the triad,” Kehler told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his nomination hearing. He currently leads Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, Colo. In addition to developing the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine replacement, Kehler said “it’s important also to have a replacement long-range strike aircraft and . . . to begin the process to modernize the nation’s land-based strategic deterrent.” He said he does not think “there’s anything different that needs to be done right now,” in terms of pursuing the future LRS platform, when specifically asked if he would favor some change. (Kehler’s responses to advance questions) (See also AFPS report by Terri Moon Cronk)
Matthew Lohmeier, who was fired from a Space Force squadron command just two years ago, took another step in his unlikely journey to the Department of the Air Force's No. 2 job May 1, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee that his background as an Air Force F-15C pilot…