Defense Secretary Robert Gates is recommending that Adm. Timothy Keating take over US Pacific Command and that Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor Renuart replace Keating at NORAD and US Northern Command. Keating would replace Adm. William Fallon who is under consideration for US Central Command. Renuart, who currently serves as senior military assistant to Gates, would be promoted to four stars if confirmed by the Senate for the new position.
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.