U.S. Pacific Command's deputy commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Fraser, will be promoted to general and take command of U.S. Southern Command on June 25.

Fraser, who has served in his current position since April 2008, was confirmed by the Senate June 10 for his new assignment at Southern Command, which is one of the nation's six geographically focused unified commands, with responsibility for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Central and South America.

"It is truly an honor to have been nominated by the president and subsequently confirmed by the Senate," Fraser said. "I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, and to engaging with key leaders and personnel within the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, as well as military and government leaders of nations throughout the Southern Command area of focus to address issues of mutual concern."