The Senate confirmed the nomination of Adm. Samuel Locklear to lead US Pacific Command. He succeeds Adm. Robert Willard, who held the position since October 2009. Locklear comes to PACOM from US Naval Forces Europe, a command he led since October 2010. The Senate gave Locklear the nod on Feb. 17, eight days after he appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination hearing.
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.