OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. – U.S. Strategic Command held a ceremony acknowledging General James E. Cartwright's relinquishment of command of USSTRATCOM to Deputy Commander Lieutenant General C. Robert Kehler, here, today.

General Cartwright departs USSTRATCOM to assume duties as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has served as the USSTRATCOM commander since July 2004. "Sandee and I are grateful for the tremendous support of the community not only for us, but for the men, women and family members of U.S. Strategic Command. We leave with many fond memories of the heartland." he said.

General Kehler has assumed the duties of commander until a new USSTRATCOM Commander is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and assumes command. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced on July 24 that the President nominated Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton for appointment to the grade of general and assignment as commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Chilton is currently serving as commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Navy Rear Adm. Carl V. Mauney has been nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Mauney is currently serving as director, Submarine Warfare Division, N87, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

USSTRATCOM is a global integrator charged with the missions of full-spectrum global strike, space operations, computer network operations, Department of Defense information operations, strategic warning, integrated missile defense, global C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), combating weapons of mass destruction, and specialized expertise to the joint warfighter.