Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly has been nominated as the next commander of U.S. Southern Command. He is now awaiting Senate confirmation.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made the announcement on Friday.

If confirmed he will replace Air Force Gen. Douglas M. Fraser at the Miami-based command and become the third Marine Corps commander of Southern Command.

He is currently serving as the as the senior military advisor to the secretary of defense.

Southcom comprises a multinational staff of about 1,200 military members, civilians and contractors, including representatives of more than a dozen federal agencies.

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