President Obama yesterday formally nominated Lt. Gen. Raymond Johns for a fourth star to be the next commander of Air Mobility Command, replacing Gen. Arthur Lichte, who is expected to retire. Johns has been serving as deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs on the Air Staff since October 2006. Back in early June, Johns’ name appeared on the Senate’s list of nominations for promotion to the grade of general, but no new assignment was given then so this new announcement clears up that ambiguity.
For the Air Force and Space Force, an influx of additional resources could be an opportunity to accelerate a massive modernization portfolio and ramp up aircraft and satellite production, defense analysts and former officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
