President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to head the US Navy. If confirmed, she would become the first female member of the military's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“As our next chief of naval operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti will bring 38 years of dedicated service to our nation as a commissioned officer, including in her current role of vice chief of naval operations,” he said in a statement.
“Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas.”
If the Senate approves Admiral Franchetti's appointment, it would be a major moment in the history of the US military.
“She is the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and when confirmed, she will again make history as the first woman to serve as the chief of naval operations and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Mr Biden said.
But the President, who announced three other armed forces nominations, had harsh words for Republicans who have been blocking military nominations in recent weeks.
Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has been holding up confirming armed forces nominations, saying that the Pentagon is improperly using government funding to cover travel costs for abortions for service members and their dependents.
“Given the national security challenges we face around the world, I urge the Senate to move quickly in confirming them, along with the other military nominations currently on hold,” Mr Biden said.
“These leadership positions are far too important to delay filling while one senator prioritises his domestic political agenda over our military readiness.
“What Senator Tuberville is doing is not only wrong – it is dangerous.”
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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