The Senate Armed Services Committee voted Thursday to advance the nomination of Gen. John Hyten to lead US Strategic Command. Hyten’s approval was included in a group of 40 military nominations voted on by the committee. Next, Hyten’s nomination will be voted on by the full Senate. If confirmed, Hyten will replace Adm. Cecil Haney, who has held the position since November 2013. Hyten has served as commander of Air Force Space Command since August 2014.
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.