Senate confirms new Air Force, AFRICOM and NGB leaders

Late Wednesday, the Senate confirmed a long list of Defense Department nominees, including incoming Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and Vice Chief Gen. Stephen Wilson, and Air National Guard Gen. Joseph Lengyel to serve as chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The Senate also approved the promotion of Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser to lead U.S. Africa Command, succeeding Army Gen. David Rodriguez. Waldhauser currently serves as the director for joint force development, J7, on the Joint Staff.

Goldfein, who previously served as the Air Force's vice chief, will succeed retiring Gen. Mark Welsh in the top post. Wilson has served as deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command since July 2015.

Lengyel, who previously served vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, will succeed Army Gen. Frank Grass.