Confirmed Leaders Take Charge: New Commanders for Europe, Middle East, ACC Cement Positions
In a series of recent developments, the U.S. military is witnessing changes in its leadership, with several key appointments and confirmations taking place.
Gen. Michael Guetlein, currently the vice chief of space operations, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the direct reporting program manager for the U.S. Space Force's Golden Dome domestic missile defense initiative. His nomination was sent to the Senate on June 16, 2025, but as of early July 2025, there is no publicly available confirmation information indicating the Senate has completed his confirmation for this specific role. Guetlein is widely recognised for his expertise in missile defense technology, making him a suitable choice for this highly ambitious and complex project, often compared to historical initiatives like the Manhattan Project or Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative.
Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson is awaiting a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee to lead U.S. Africa Command. If confirmed, he would become the first Airman to hold this position. However, as of the current data available, there is no information regarding his nomination or confirmation status.
Meanwhile, Adrian L. Spain is set to take charge of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Spain, who is the Air Force's current operations chief, will oversee the Air Force's largest swath of strike and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as cyber and electronic warfare units. He will succeed Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, who made waves during his tenure with a renewed focus on standards.
Elsewhere, the Senate has confirmed Alexus G. Grynkewich as a four-star general and the new leader of U.S. European Command. Grynkewich will also lead NATO forces as the alliance's Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Additionally, Brad Cooper was confirmed as a four-star admiral and the new leader of U.S. Central Command.
In the medical sector of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. John. J. DeGoes has been confirmed to run Air Force Medical Command and serve as the service's surgeon general. The command oversees training and resources for battlefield medics and supports military-run health centers on bases around the world.
Finally, Lt. Gen. Case A. Cunningham is set to succeed Spain as the service's deputy chief of staff for operations.
Matthew Lohmeier's nomination for Air Force undersecretary remains in limbo, pending a confirmation vote by the full Senate.
[1] Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/18/space-force-nominates-guetlein-to-lead-missile-defense-program/ [2] Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/18/space-force-nominates-guetlein-to-lead-missile-defense-program/ [3] Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/18/space-force-nominates-guetlein-to-lead-missile-defense-program/ [4] Source: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/06/18/space-force-nominates-guetlein-to-lead-missile-defense-program/ (No publicly available confirmation information as of early July 2025)
- The U.S. Space Force's Golden Dome domestic missile defense initiative has nominated Gen. Michael Guetlein, known for his expertise in missile defense technology, to serve as its direct reporting program manager.
- President Donald Trump has sent Guetlein's nomination to the Senate, but as of early July 2025, there is no publicly available confirmation information indicating the Senate has completed his confirmation for this specific role.
- Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson awaits a Senate hearing to lead U.S. Africa Command, a position that would make him the first Airman to hold the position if confirmed.
- In the aerospace sector, Adrian L. Spain is set to take charge of Air Combat Command and oversee the Air Force's largest swath of strike and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as cyber and electronic warfare units.
- The Senate has confirmed Alexus G. Grynkewich as a four-star general and the new leader of U.S. European Command, also assuming the role of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Meanwhile, Brad Cooper was confirmed as a four-star admiral and the new leader of U.S. Central Command.
- In the medical sector of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. John. J. DeGoes has been confirmed to run Air Force Medical Command and serve as the service's surgeon general, overseeing training and resources for battlefield medics and military-run health centers around the world.
- The nomination of Matthew Lohmeier for Air Force undersecretary remains in limbo, pending a confirmation vote by the full Senate.
- Gen. Case A. Cunningham will succeed Lt. Gen. Adrian L. Spain as the service's deputy chief of staff for operations.
(Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4])
