Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser took charge of US Southern Command Thursday during a change of command ceremony, just before which Defense Secretary Robert Gates awarded Fraser his fourth star. Fraser, who last served as deputy commander at US Pacific Command, replaces Adm. James Stavridis, who is slated to become Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and commander of US European Command. In his assumption of command remarks, Fraser said he was “eager to work with this great team of professionals at Southern Command and our partners in South Florida and throughout the region.” He said, too, “The transnational and trans-regional challenges we face to security, stability, and prosperity in the Americas can only be met through strong, enduring partnerships.” (SOUTHCOM report)
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.