(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today announced that General Robin Rand has been confirmed to serve as Commander for Air Force Global Strike Command. General Rand is the first 4-Start General to lead the Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base. Vitter has fought since 2012 to call for and finalize this designation. Click here to read more.

“Getting this designation for Global Strike Command has been among my top priorities for Barksdale and took years of work. Thankfully the U.S. Senate, recognizing the importance to our national security, was able to get this nomination confirmed in just a few months. The four-star designation shows the Defense Department’s long-term commitment to Barksdale and the U.S. Nuclear Triad, and it will give Barksdale a seat at the table during key decisions,” Vitter said. “After three years of working with the Air Force, the Senate, and other top defense officials, I’m proud to see Global Strike Command mission receive this level of priority.”

Vitter and the Congressional Delegation have pushed the U.S. Air Force to elevate Barksdale’s Global Strike Command to a four-star general position since its inception in 2009. Vitter has been pushing for these changes despite the Obama administration’s attempts to reduce the priority of nuclear missions following passage of the New START Treaty.

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.

Vitter has met with General Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, and Eric Fanning, Undersecretary of the Air Force. In February, Vitter met with Dr. Ashton Carter, the recently nominated Secretary of Defense to push for the elevation to a four star position. Additionally, Vitter has pushed the case for this designation during multiple Senate Armed Services Committee hearings.