Trump nominates new head of Space Command and Navy’s second-ranking officer

President Donald Trump has nominated two senior officers to lead U.S. Space Command and serve as the Navy’s second-highest ranking officer in a slate of nominations sent to the Senate.

If confirmed, Space Force Lt. Gen. David Miller would become the commander of SPACECOM, which oversees military operations in space, and Navy Vice Adm. John “Brad” Skillman would be Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

Miller has served as the Space Force’s deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements since November 2025. He previously led Space Operations Command.

Gen. Douglas Schiess, the Space Force’s top officer, praised Miller’s nomination Wednesday in a post on X.

“He is an exceptional guardian who has represented our service with distinction, and we believe he is a strong candidate for this critical joint leadership role,” Schiess wrote.

Gen. Stephen Whiting, the current SPACECOM commander, is slated to retire in the coming months. His replacement will lead the command amid intensifying competition in space and a planned move from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Huntsville, Ala.

Navy Vice Adm. John “Brad” Skillman participates in a battle force discussion panel at the Surface Navy Association’s 38th National Symposium on Jan. 14, 2026, in Arlington, Va. (Preston Cash/U.S. Navy)

Skillman would succeed Adm. James Kilby, who has served as the Navy’s second-ranking officer since 2024. He would serve under Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle as the Navy contends with the demands of the Iran war.

Skillman is currently the deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 and has served as a surface warfare officer.

Miller’s and Skillman’s nominations will not be considered until the Senate returns to Washington after the November midterm elections.

The chamber has several other pending military nominations to address when it is back in session, including acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao’s nomination to serve in the job permanently.