President Barack Obama has nominated Gen. John Hyten, current commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, as the next commander of the U.S. Strategic Command.
If appointed, Hyten will support Stratcom with its global missions in strategic deterrence, space operations, joint electronic warfare, global strike and missile defense, the Defense Department said Friday.
He would succeed Adm. Cecil Haney, current commander of Stratcom based at Offutt Air Force Base.
“I have every confidence that Gen. Hyten will bring to Stratcom the same high caliber of focus and dedication to defending our country, and taking care of those who do so, that [Haney] has brought to the command over the last three years,” Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement.
“Armed with 35 years of strong managerial experience, deep technical expertise, and visionary leadership, Gen. Hyten is the perfect choice to lead this critical command in the years to come.”
Hyten is in charge of organizing, equipping and training the space and cyberspace forces in support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Stratcom and other combatant commands in his current position.
He is also responsible for the U.S. Air Force‘s network operations, the development and acquisition of new space systems as well as the service branch’s network of satellite command and control, communications, missile warning and space launch facilities.
He began his military career in 1981 and has served with the Air Force as director of cyber and space operations, space acquisition and space programs, among other leadership positions.
Hyten is a recipient of the Master Space Operations Badge, Master Cyberspace Operator Badge and awards such as the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Joint Staff Achievement Medal.
