Obama to nominate 1st woman to head US combatant command

This undated photo provided by the U.S. Air Force shows Gen. Lori J. Robinson, Commander, currently the head of the Pacific Air Force. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says President Barack Obama will nominate the first woman to head a major U.S. military combatant command. If confirmed by the Senate, Robinson would be the seventh commander to head the Colorado-based U.S. Northern Command. AP

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will nominate the first woman to head a US military combatant command, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Friday, a major milestone in a department that this year opened all combat jobs to women.

Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson is being nominated to head US Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. If confirmed by the Senate, Robinson, would be the seventh commander to head the Colorado-based command. She currently is head of the Pacific Air Force.

READ: US military beginning to recruit women for combat jobs

Northern Command was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate and improve homeland defense and to provide support for national disasters. She would replace Adm. William Gortney, who is retiring.

Carter also said that Obama will nominate Gen. Vincent Brooks to head US Forces Korea. Brooks currently is in charge of US Army Pacific Command.

Brooks’ nomination also is subject to Senate confirmation.