The nominations of General Jacqueline Van Ovost of the Air Force as commander of the United States Transport Command and Lieutenant General Laura Richardson of the Army as commander of the United States Southern Command would make them the second and third women to lead a Combatant Command, if confirmed by the Senate.
Biden, during comments on International Women’s Day at the White House on Monday, called Van Ovost and Richardson “two outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots”.
“Each of these women has led careers that demonstrate unparalleled skill, integrity and duty to the country. And at each step, they have also helped to open the doors of opportunities for women in our armed forces, paving the way, a little broader. , a little brighter, for all the proud women who go their way and look at their example, “said the president.
Two defense officials told CNN on Monday that nominations for women and other nominations for male officers for promotion were withdrawn by the Trump Pentagon because they were being presented too early for Congressional consideration.
On Monday, Biden noted that Van Ovost, a first-generation American, flew in Air Force Two when he served as vice president during the Obama administration, and also highlighted Richardson’s job as general commander of the US Northern Army, coordinating military medical personnel deployed to assist with the coronavirus response.
The president also spoke about the need to eliminate sexual assault and harassment against women in the armed forces, calling it “nothing less than a threat to our national security”.
“This will be a hands-on effort under my administration to end the scourge of sexual assault in the armed forces,” he said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the Biden nominations on Monday, saying, “Today you are appointing two extraordinary military leaders to the combat command whose life experience spans nearly 70 years of uniformed service in peace and war.”
“You know that the diversity of our nation makes us stronger and the diversity in our military ranks makes us better at defending the American people,” said Austin.
Vice President Kamala Harris also praised the appointments in brief comments, saying: “Although it has only been five years since all combat jobs were opened for women, women have been in the firing line risking their lives to protect our nation long before that. “
CNN’s Chandelis Duster contributed to this report.