In a significant move for the U.S. Air Force, President Donald Trump has announced new nominations to fill key leadership positions. Gen. John Lamontagne, currently at the helm of Air Mobility Command, has been nominated to become the next vice chief of staff of the Air Force. This nomination follows the recent vacancies created after a leadership overhaul in February.
Alongside Lamontagne, Brig. Gen. Christopher Eason, who is the chief of staff and commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, has been put forward to become the Air Force’s next judge advocate general, with a promotion to his second star. The Senate’s approval of these nominations will be crucial to filling the gaps left by the departure of Gen. Jim Slife and Lt. Gen. Charles Plummer, both of whom were dismissed by Trump.
Lamontagne, a seasoned pilot with over 4,000 hours flying the C-17 Globemaster and KC-135 Stratotanker, has been leading AMC since September 2024. His extensive experience includes various leadership roles across the Air Force, such as deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and chief of staff of U.S. European Command. Notably, Lamontagne has also commanded the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
Previously, Gen. Thomas Bussiere was nominated for the vice chief of staff position but his nomination was retracted in September, leading to his retirement. With Lamontagne’s nomination, the Air Force seeks to stabilize its leadership at a critical time.
Brig. Gen. Eason, a veteran of more than 20 years in the Air Force, is recognized for his legal expertise and has served in various staff judge advocate positions. An alumnus of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law, Eason has a notable record, having prosecuted high-profile cases, including those against al Qaida members.
In addition to his military role, Eason is a federal prosecutor with the Justice Department, where he handles cases related to public corruption, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes. His dual roles demonstrate his significant contributions to both military and civilian justice systems.
Moreover, Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, has been nominated to become the next director of the Air National Guard, succeeding Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak who has been in an acting capacity since June 2024. Suelzer’s confirmation would see him promoted to lieutenant general.
