The U.S. Senate confirmed the nominees to the top posts at U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) during the March 19 session.
The full Senate confirmed Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating as PACOM commander and Air Force Lt. Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., to receive his fourth star and to become commander of NORTHCOM and North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Renuart, who currently serves as Gates' senior military assistant, will assume Keating's NORTHCOM post.
In announcing both officers' nominations in February, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates praised them for establishing a record of accomplishments in a variety of complex and challenging assignments. "Each has shown the requisite combination of military, diplomatic and intellectual skills to be successful in these two positions," he said.
"They both have served this country extremely well, and if confirmed, they both will continue to do so," agreed Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Keating, a native of Dayton, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1971. Before assuming his current post in November 2004, he served as director of the Joint Staff.
Renuart entered the Air Force in 1971 following graduation from Indiana University and received his commission through Officer Training School in 1972. He was director of strategic plans and policy for the Joint Staff before becoming the defense secretary's senior military assistant in August 2006.
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service