Hagel taps Air Force general for NATO post

A senior Air Force general is being nominated to take over as commander of all U.S. and NATO forces in Europe.

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove is the top Air Force commander in Europe. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says Breedlove is particularly well qualified. Hagel announced the nomination Thursday.

If confirmed, Breedlove would be the first Air Force general to hold the top NATO job since Joseph Ralston served in the post from 2000-2003.

Breedlove would succeed Navy Adm. James Stavridis, who has held the job since 2009.

President Obama chose Breedlove after his first choice for the job, Marine Gen. John Allen, announced he would retire after 19 months commanding allied forces in Afghanistan because of his wife's health issues.