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.