The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. Philip Breedlove for promotion to the rank of four-star general to serve as USAF’s next vice chief of staff, Air Force officials announced Thursday. He is replacing Gen. Howie Chandler, who is retiring. President Obama last month nominated Breedlove for USAF’s No. 2 uniformed position. Breedlove has been deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements since August 2009. The Senate has also approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle to take over Breedlove’s Air Staff post. Carlisle has led 13th Air Force at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for the past year. Rounding out these related moves, Maj. Gen. Stanley Kresge has received the Senate’s blessing to receive a third star for assignment as the new 13th AF boss. Kresge has commanded the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis AFB, Nev., since May 2009.
As commander of Air Forces Central, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich has been at the heart of almost all U.S. military action in the Middle East, from overseeing airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups to protecting troops as America’s air defense commander for the region. Just before handing over his command to…