Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) applauded President Obama’s pick for the new Chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vowing his committee will give the nominations “prompt and thorough consideration.” In a statement released Tuesday, McCain said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford’s “exemplary service in Iraq and Afghanistan makes him a strong choice [for Chairman] as we confront threats to stability and peace in both countries and throughout the region.” He also praised Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, Obama’s pick for vice chairman, saying his “extensive experience as an operational and strategic leader would be a welcome addition to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” Defense Secretary Ash Carter also praised the two leaders. “They both have the strategic perspective and operational experience to help guide our military and advise the President at a time of much change in the world,” said Carter in a statement. Obama said he looks forward to their “honest military advice” as the US takes on a “range of challenges,” including training and advising mission in Afghanistan, anti-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria, tensions in Europe following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and the rebalance to the Pacific. (Obama transcript) (House Armed Services Committee chairman statement.) (Gen. Martin Dempsey statement.)
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.