US Air Force Gen. David Goldfein has been nominated to succeed Gen. Mark Welsh as USAF chief of staff, the Defense Department announced Tuesday. Welsh retires July 1.

If confirmed by the Senate, 56-year-old Goldfein will be the second Jewish man to hold the position. Norton Schwartz served in the post between 2008-2012.

He has served as vice chief of staff since last August.

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The Air Force Times called Goldfein a “battle-tested” pilot, noting his service in the Gulf War, the Afghanistan War, and NATO’s 1999 air campaign in the former Yugoslavia.

“I’m extremely humbled by the nomination to serve as the Air Force’s 21st chief of staff. If confirmed, I pledge to serve our Airmen and their families unwaveringly and honor our remarkable heritage and legacy of integrity, service and excellence,” Goldfein said.