Air Force Commander Nominated to Lead National Guard Bureau Amid Leadership Vacancies
- A senior Air Force commander has been nominated to lead the National Guard Bureau.
- This nomination underscores the importance of integrating air defense operations.
- The appointment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the leadership within U.S. military branches.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus has been nominated to become the next chief of the National Guard Bureau, following the impending retirement of Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson on August 2. The nomination was submitted to the Senate on Tuesday, marking a significant transition in leadership as the bureau prepares for a busy hurricane season and a potentially challenging election period. Currently serving as the commander of the 1st Air Force and overseeing NORAD’s continental U.S. region, Nordhaus has a background as a fighter pilot and previously held the position of special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard. His nomination comes at a critical time, as the top four officers of the National Guard Bureau are either retiring or have already left their posts, creating a leadership vacuum. In addition to Hokanson's retirement, Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, the chief of the Army Guard, is also set to retire soon, while Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, the director of the Air Guard, has already stepped down. The Senate has yet to confirm replacements for these key positions, raising concerns about the bureau's ability to effectively oversee the training and deployment of Guard forces. Nominations for Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak as the next Air Guard director and Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs as the Army Guard director have been submitted, but no hearings or votes have been scheduled. The ongoing uncertainty regarding leadership appointments has prompted worries about the bureau's operational readiness during critical times.