washington president barack obama name first woman head u.s. combatant command select air force general lori robinson next head military northern command defense secretary ash carter say friday position subject senate confirmation one senior u.s. military would make robinson lead u.s. air force pacific top general oversee activities north america general robinson happen would also first ever female combatant commander carter say disclose obama plan nominate show yet another thing come along lot female officer exceptionally strong lori certainly fit category carter say event host politico carter also announce army general vincent brook command general u.s. army pacific would nominate become next commander u.s. force south korea u.s. general lori robinson become first woman lead combatant command