Panel confirms Gen. Lori Robinson as first female officer for warfighting command

By

Richard Lardner, The Associated Press

Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander, addresses U.S. and Singapore Airmen in front of an F-22A Raptor during the Singapore International Airshow, at Changi International Airport, Singapore, Feb. 17, 2016. Robinson said that the Raptor’s presence at the show showcases the U.S. Air Force’s unique capability to rapidly mobilize fifth generation fighters throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy/Released)

WASHINGTON — The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved the nomination of the first female officer to lead one of the military’s warfighting commands.

Members of the panel on Tuesday confirmed Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson to be commander of U.S. Northern Command. The panel acted on a voice vote. The command is responsible for preventing attacks against the United States.

Robinson joined the Air Force in 1982 after graduating from the University of New Hampshire. She’s currently serving as commander of Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii.

The committee also confirmed Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti to be the top American commander in Europe and Army Gen. Vincent Brooks to lead U.S. forces in Korea.

Their nominations now go to the full Senate for approval.

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Richard Lardner, The Associated Press