President Barack Obama nominated Maj. Gen. Robert S. Williams for a third star and for assignment as commander of Continental US North American Aerospace Command region and commander of First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Williams is the chief of the Office of Military Cooperation and the defense attaché at the US Embassy in Kuwait. If confirmed, Williams would replace Lt. Gen. William Etter. The Air Force has not announced Etter’s new position.
A major planned upgrade for the F-35 fighter’s engine is expected to reach a major milestone in August when it undergoes its critical design review, an Air Force official said July 27.