WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump announced on Friday he intends to nominate Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, U.S. Air Force, for the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military adviser to the president, secretary of Defense and National Security Council, according to a statement from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

“General Caine embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment. I look forward to working with him,”Hegseth said in the statement

He said outgoing Chairman Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., U.S. Air Force, has served with distinction in a career spanning four decades of honorable service.

“I have come to know him as a thoughtful adviser and salute him for his distinguished service to our country,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth said he also is requesting nominations for the positions of chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff.

“The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country,” Hegseth said.

Slife visited Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB Feb. 15.

Hegseth said they are also requesting nominations for the Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

“Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars,” Hegseth said in his statement.