President Trump’s administration made history by nominating an African-American officer for the first time to be the next Air Force chief of staff.

The Defense Department announced that Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., currently the head of Pacific Air Forces, has been nominated for the post by the president, according to Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The F-16 pilot, known as “CQ,”has more than 2,900 flying hours and served as deputy commander of US Central Command from July 2016 to July 2018.

.@EsperDoD announced the POTUS nomination of Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.https://t.co/n4pxOLjJSF pic.twitter.com/fOCW3trLVT — U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) March 2, 2020

Brown would step in to the post being vacated by Gen. David L. Goldfein, who is retiring June 30 after four years as Chief of Staff, taking on one of the two highest positions in the Air Force and, if confirmed by the Senate, would become the first African-American to serve as a service chief and to sit on the Joint Chiefs of Staff since then-Army Gen. Colin Powell, who served as chairman between 1989 and 1993.

The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., correctly noted in a tweet celebrating the “incredible news” that reports of the nomination would have gotten more attention if “someone other than” his father was responsible.

Incredible news. If it would have been done by someone other than ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ you would have heard all about it. But hey, I’ll pass it on. White House Nominates Nation’s 1st African American Military Service Chief. https://t.co/7GGZNVamDA — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) March 3, 2020

Actor James Woods echoed the sentiment.

Another first for black Americans under President Trump. Don’t expect it to be heralded by Democrat lackeys of the liberal media though. https://t.co/bAblvjbM8T — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) March 3, 2020

“I am truly honored and humbled by the nomination to serve as the Air Force’s 22nd chief of staff,” Brown said in a news release. “If confirmed, Sharene and I look forward to building upon the legacy of Gen. Dave and Dawn Goldfein and the many airpower giants before who have served our Air Force and our nation with such dedication.”

Great news for the @usairforce to have Gen CQ Brown nominated as their 22nd Chief of Staff. He brings the right blend of strategic vision, operational know-how, and compassion for leading Airmen with a focus on the NDS’ Great Power Competition. pic.twitter.com/BnA4CqjlIG — Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) March 3, 2020

“CQ Brown is one of the finest warriors our Air Force has ever produced. He’s led worldwide – in the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” Goldfein said. “When it comes to global, operational savvy there’s nobody stronger. Congratulations to Gen. Brown on his nomination to be our next Chief.”

“Gen CQ Brown is the right strategic leader at the right time for the United States Air Force,” Gen. Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, said in the news release.

Brown would be assuming the position as Trump’s Space Force takes shape, with more than 6,000 airmen set to be assigned to Space Force by the end of 2020.

“He clearly understands the evolving and complex strategic environment we face and recognizes the importance of integrating across all domains to compete, deter and win. On behalf of the 16,000 men and women assigned to the United States Space Force, congratulations on the nomination!” Raymond said.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Brown earned a degree in civil engineering and his commission – with distinction – through Air Force ROTC. In his 35-year career, Brown has racked up 130 combat hours and played an important role in operations against Libya and in the air campaign against Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Though Brown is highly qualified for the job, and Trump has been praised for the choice, the left will undoubtedly look for a way to attack the accomplished nominee as he comes before the Senate for confirmation. In the meantime, praise and congratulations poured in on social media.

As an Air Force Veteran, I could not be more prouder of @realDonaldTrump on his nomination of the qualified Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. as the first Black American USAF Chief of Staff and first Black CoS to lead any military service branch. https://t.co/hjkPaKjknH — Glenn McCall (@GMcCallSC) March 3, 2020

Outstanding choice. During my time at @CENTCOM, CQ was both a charismatic leader and awesome decision maker. All the best.https://t.co/8s2ZTN97I5 — T. Mark McCurley (@markmccurley) March 3, 2020

What a win for the country! CQ Brown is a great guy, smart, personable, strategic thinker, and will be a great chief of staff, and significantly, the first African-American chief of any military service. https://t.co/mJinqBypfi — John Setter (@ghercroft2) March 2, 2020

@realDonaldTrump is doing a horrible job being a racist! It’s almost as if he genuinely cares about people – regardless of their skin color #TuesdayThoughts #KAG #Trump — Williams for Sheriff 2020 (@williamsforslcs) March 3, 2020

Trump can cure cancer and the haters would complain about all of the unemployed oncologists. — Roblaze (@jcrobles17) March 3, 2020

Trump hates black Americans so much he keeps nominating them for important positions in his administration.#TDS — it’s pronounced Monet (@teenytinytrout) March 3, 2020