The Pentagon said President Obama has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Gary L. North to lead the Air Force in the Pacific.

The military yesterday said North is also being nominated for promotion to general.

Pacific Air Forces is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base. It's responsible for airmen based in Hawai'i, Alaska, Japan and South Korea.

North is the commander of Ninth Air Force, Air Combat Command at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He's also the commander of Central Command Air Forces.

His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Pacific Air Forces is currently headed by Gen. Carrol "Howie" Chandler, who is heading to the Pentagon to be the Air Force's vice chief of staff.