The commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia, has been nominated to become assistant vice chief of staff and director for the Air Staff, the Defense Department announced Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. John Hesterman currently leads the Air Force component of U.S. Central Command, which includes Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other hot spots.
The 1983 Air Force Academy graduate flew on the first night of Operation Desert Storm and later served as an expeditionary squadron commander for Operation Northern Watch and other missions, according to his official biography.
Hesterman's previous assignments include serving as deputy director for politico-military affairs for Europe, NATO, Russia and Africa; deputy, combined force air component commander for CENTCOM; and military deputy for readiness to the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" device, Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters.
He has served as an instructor pilot in the F-16C, F-117A, F-15E and T-38C.
