Washington, D.C. —  Senator John Thune hosted a meeting in his office today with Mr. Michael Donley, Acting Secretary of the Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, the President's nominee to be Air Force Chief of Staff, and General Duncan McNabb, the President's nominee to be Commander, U.S. Transportation Command.

"As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm very interested in learning the vision these nominees have for the future of the Air Force," said Thune. "In meeting with Acting Secretary Donley, General Schwartz, and General McNabb, I emphasized the importance of Ellsworth as a premier base, not only because of the B-1 and the Financial Services Center, but also because of Ellsworth's capability to host future missions. I also emphasized the importance of the Next Generation bomber, as well as the proposed expansion of the Powder River training range. I look forward to the confirmation process with regard to these gentlemen as the Senate exercises its constitutional role of advice and consent."

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for these nominees on Tuesday, July 22.