AP: USAF Gen. Breedlove Pick for Top NATO Job

February 21, 2013 10:56 AM - Updated: May 10, 2013 1:13 PM
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove gives a presentation on Air Force future operating concepts in 2011. US Air Force Photo
Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Phil Breedlove gives a presentation on Air Force future operating concepts in 2011. US Air Force Photo

U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove is likely choice to become the next commander of U.S. and NATO forces, reported The Associated Press on Thursday.

Currently Breedlove is the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa. He assumed the position in July. The AP is quoting a “senior NATO official,” following the Obama administration’s first choice candidate, Marine Gen. John Allen, opting to retire than to take the NATO job.

Breedlove is a 1977 graduate of Georgia Tech, a command pilot with 3,500 hours primarily in F-16s and was previously Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Breedlove would take the position from Navy Admiral James Stavridis.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
Follow @samlagrone

Get USNI News updates delivered to your inbox