The Senate confirmed Gen. David Goldfein to be the Air Force’s 21st Chief of Staff late Wednesday evening, reported Politico. Goldfein, who currently serves as USAF’s vice chief, will replace Gen. Mark Welsh, who officially retires on Friday after 40 years in uniform. The Senate also confirmed Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson for a fourth star and for assignment as Air Force vice chief. Wilson has served as the deputy commander of US Strategic Command since July 2015. The nominations were among more than 60 military nominations confirmed Wednesday night. Others included, Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph Lengyel, who will receive a fourth star for assignment as Chief of the National Guard Bureau; and Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who also will be promoted to general for his new assignment as head of US Africa Command, according to Politico.
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.