The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Maj. Gen. Burton Field to receive a third star and take command of US Forces Japan and also lead 5th Air Force, both of which are headquartered at Yokota AB, Japan. He will replace Lt. Gen. Edward Rice, who has been nominated for a fourth star to lead Air Force Education and Training Command in place of Gen. Stephen Lorenz, who is retiring. Field has been serving since February 2009 as the senior military advisor to the US special representative for Afghanistan/ Pakistan. The Senate voted to confirm Field’s nomination on May 28.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.