WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nominations of Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti to be Chief of Naval Operations, General David W. Allvin to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and General Christopher J. Mahoney to be Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:

“I am proud to congratulate each of these leaders on their hard-earned confirmations. America is safer because of their service, and our forces will benefit from their leadership.

“Admiral Lisa Franchetti brings remarkable experience and expertise to the top Navy post. She has served in leadership roles at every level throughout the Navy, both ashore and at sea, and with postings around the globe. Admiral Franchetti’s promotion is historic, as she is the first woman to serve as CNO and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am glad we have finally reached this moment. I know that Admiral Franchetti will provide the nation’s sailors, their families, and Navy civilian employees with the leadership they deserve.

“General David Allvin is the right leader at the right time for the U.S. Air Force.  As the current Vice Chief of the Air Force, he has helped lead the service through a critical period of modernization, and he is well positioned to continue that progress. He is a command pilot with more than 4,600 hours in over 30 aircraft, including 100 combat hours. Air power is key to our strategic competition with China and other adversaries, and General Allvin will lead the Air Force with skill and vision.

“General Christopher Mahoney is one of our nation’s finest Marines, and I am glad to see him lead at this critical moment. General Mahoney is fighter pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours, and command experience at the squadron and group level. He has led Marines around the world and now stands ready to guide the service as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“I am glad that we were able to fill these key leadership posts, but hundreds more military promotions remain blocked on the Senate floor. Every one of those officers earned their promotions through merit, and they each deserve swift Senate action. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to release this hold.”