Gen. William Shelton, the commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command and the top-ranking uniformed official for space, will retire effective Sept. 1, according to an Air Force Web page.
Shelton’s Air Force biography was updated online in May to reflect the official retirement date.
Shelton became commander of Air Force Space Command in January 2011. The assignment typically lasts about three years; Shelton hinted in January he would likely retire this year. He has joked with several lawmakers this spring that it was his last time testifying before budget committees as the leader of Space Command.
Air Force Gen. John Hyten, who is currently the vice commander at space command, will assume Shelton’s duties later this year. The Senate approved his nomination in April.
Hyten has been in his current position since May 2012 and has previously served as director of space programs for the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition.
