Gen. Charles Q. Brown was confirmed by the Senate in a unanimous vote on Tuesday, making him the first ever black service chief of staff.
In a vote of 98-0, the Senate confirmed Brown as the 22nd Air Force Chief of Staff with Vice President Mike Pence making a rare appearance to preside over the historic vote.
“Today is a Historic Day for our Nation. The Senate has confirmed President @realDonaldTrump’s nominee, General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as Chief of Staff to the @usairforce—the first-ever African American Service Chief in the history of our Country. Congratulations General Brown!” Pence tweeted after the vote.
Today is a Historic Day for our Nation. The Senate has confirmed President @realDonaldTrump’s nominee, General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as Chief of Staff to the @usairforce—the first-ever African American Service Chief in the history of our Country. Congratulations General Brown! pic.twitter.com/6nbjUG01F8
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 9, 2020
Brown is the commander of the Pacific Air Forces. He has been in the Air Force for 35 years. As a command pilot, he amassed 2,900 flying hours, including 130 combat hours, most of which took place in the F-16 fighter jet.
“My decision to appoint @usairforce General Charles Brown as the USA’s first-ever African American military service chief has now been approved by the Senate. A historic day for America! Excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a Patriot and Great Leader!” Trump said in a tweet.
My decision to appoint @usairforce General Charles Brown as the USA’s first-ever African American military service chief has now been approved by the Senate. A historic day for America! Excited to work even more closely with Gen. Brown, who is a Patriot and Great Leader!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
“I am truly honored and humbled by the nomination to serve as the Air Force’s 22nd Chief of Staff,” Brown said upon his nomination in March. “If confirmed, Sharene and I look forward to building upon the legacy of Gen. Dave and Dawn Goldfein and the many airpower giants before who have served our Air Force and our nation with such dedication.”