The Senate confirmed the nomination of Adm. Cecil Haney to lead US Strategic Command, succeeding Gen. Robert Kehler, who has overseen the combatant command since January 2011. The Senate action came on Aug. 1, according to the body’s list of non-civilian confirmations. Haney has commanded the US Pacific Fleet since January 2012. (For coverage of Haney’s July 30 confirmation hearing, read Haney: No to Flying Solo Beyond New START.)
A record investment in research and development by the Department of the Air Force will help the United States win the long-term technology race with China, even while shrinking the fleet size before a possible mid-decade Taiwan contingency, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said May 17. “With the Air Force,…