Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, released the following statement upon President Obama’s announcement that he had nominated Admiral Cecil D. Haney of the United States Navy to be the next commander of the U.S. Strategic Command:

“Strategic Command has benefited enormously from General Kehler’s steady leadership throughout the past year and a half, and I enjoyed a strong working relationship with him and his staff. I congratulate Admiral Cecil D. Haney, the president's nominee to replace General Kehler. I look forward to meeting with him as the Senate Armed Services Committee considers his nomination to this critical post in leading efforts to counter strategic threats across the globe.”

Admiral Haney is the current commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He is a 1978 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and previously served as STRATCOM’s deputy commander.