The Senate confirmed the nomination of Adm. Cecil Haney to lead US Strategic Command, succeeding Gen. Robert Kehler, who has overseen the combatant command since January 2011. The Senate action came on Aug. 1, according to the body’s list of non-civilian confirmations. Haney has commanded the US Pacific Fleet since January 2012. (For coverage of Haney’s July 30 confirmation hearing, read Haney: No to Flying Solo Beyond New START.)
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.