Vitter, Fleming Announce 4-Star General Nomination for Global Strike Command

Press Release

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and U.S. Rep. John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.) today announced that General Robin Rand, a 4-Star General, has been nominated by President Obama to serve as Commander for Air Force Global Strike Command. The Global Strike Command is located at Barksdale Air Force Base and is responsible for the majority of the U.S. Nuclear Triad. His nomination will be considered by the Senate.

"I've been working to make sure that Global Strike Commands gets four-star recognition, and this nomination is a big next step forward in that process," Vitter said. "I'll push to get General Rand's nomination through the Senate."

"The nomination of General Rand is welcome news, and I am pleased that the Air Force has prioritized Global Strike Command and Barksdale at the highest levels. I look forward to working with the Air Force to secure the resources they need to support the mission," said Fleming.

Vitter, Fleming and the Congressional Delegation have pushed the U.S. Air Force to elevate Barksdale's Global Strike Command to a four-star general position for years. Vitter has been pushing for these recognitions despite the Obama administration's attempts to reduce the priority of nuclear missions.

Vitter secured a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 that recognizes the U.S. Nuclear Triad, of which two thirds is managed by Global Strike Command, as the highest mission in our nation's defense. Congress' support for this shows its long term commitment to Barksdale Air Force Base, which is home to U.S. Global Strike Command and is responsible for the majority of that Triad.

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