A Pentagon release Friday stated that President Bush has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor Renuart for a fourth star and to lead NORAD and US Northern Command. Defense Secretary Robert Gates had recommended Renuart for the position earlier this month, when he tapped Adm. Timothy Keating, current NORAD/NORTHCOM chief, to head US Pacific Command. Keating’s nomination already has gone to the Senate for confirmation.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.