MDA gets full-fledged director

After more than four months without a three-star officer at the helm, the Missile Defense Agency today has a full-fledged leader after Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) abandoned his quixotic quest to change Pentagon health services for woman and the Senate confirmed Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins' promotion.

MDA today announced Collins -- the 12th MDA director since the agency was founded in 2002 -- was quickly installed following confirmation of his promotion to lieutenant general.

Rear Adm. Douglas Williams -- promoted from captain in June -- who was acting MDA director since late July, will still testify tomorrow before the House Armed Services Committee hearing on missile defense, according to a government official.