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2 nominated for 4th star, major commands

Two lieutenant generals are in line to get their fourth stars and take over major commands, Air Force Times has learned.

President Obama nominated Lt. Gen. Raymond Johns and Lt. Gen. Gary North for promotion, the Air Force announced in a limited-release e-mail obtained by Air Force Times. The Senate must confirm the nominations.

Johns would assume command of Air Mobility Command from Gen. Art Lichte, who is retiring. Johns is deputy Air Force chief of staff for strategic plans and programs.

North would take command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Howie Chandler, who has been confirmed to become Air Force vice chief of staff. North is commander of U.S. Air Forces Central.

Also, Obama nominated Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, director of air and space operations at Air Combat Command, to receive his third star and become commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Other general officer moves:

* Maj. Gen. (select) Mark F. Ramsay, director of strategic planning at Air Force headquarters, will become deputy chief of staff for operations at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Casteau, Belgium.

* Brig. Gen. Richard C. Johnston, director of plans, programs and analyses for United States Air Forces in Europe, will take over for Ramsay as director of strategic planning at Air Force headquarters.

* Brig. Gen. Mark O. Schissler, director of cyber operations at Air Force headquarters, will replace Johnston as director of plans, programs and analyses for USAFE.

* Brig. Gen. John E. Hyten, director of plans and requirements for Air Force Space Command, will take over for Schissler as the Air Force’s director of cyber operations.

* And Brig. Gen. James E. Haywood, senior military assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, will replace Hyten as director of plans and requirements for Air Force Space Command.