Both of Alaska's Senators to Washington met with General Mark Welsh III yesterday.

General Welsh was tapped as a nominee for the top Air Force spot early last month. He is now considered the leading contendor for the position of Air Force Chief of Staff.

General Welsh, who served under Defense Secretary Leon Panetta when he was the head of the CIA, will potentially replace General Norman Schwartz who is due to retire this summer.

The General, who is currently the commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe, met with Alaska’s Senate Delegates yesterday to discuss his vision of Alaska’s role in the U.S. defense.

While meeting with Senator Murkowski, General Welsh agreed with Senator Murkowski that the recent conversations on the move of fighters from Eielson to Elmendorf-Richardson has created a level of tension. But, he told the Senator that he believes that the F-22 fleet is properly positioned in Alaska. The General also said that the JPARC training facilities in Alaska are a growing interest to our coalition allies, this because of ALaska’s singular environment and geology.

In a press release, Senator Murkowski stated that the General is committed to a higher level of transparency and collaboration and that she looks forward to working with him.

Senator Begich also had the opportunity to speak with General Welsh yesterday. He also discussed the recent attempt by the Air Force to move the F-16s from Eielson Air Force Base. They also spoke of the future of the military in the state.

Senator Begich spoke with the general about potential new opportunities for Eielson since the squadron will not be re-locating. Specifically, regarding missions involving unmanned aerial vehicles; the value of the state to the renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific and emerging focus on the Arctic; and the need to take care of service members and their families.

After their meeting, Senator Begich had this to say, “General Welsh and I had an excellent discussion on how to increase transparency between the Department of Defense and Congress, and how we can all work better together in terms of exchanging quality and timely information when something like a squadron transfer comes up in the future,” Begich said. “General Welsh seems very aware of the important role Alaska plays in the military, especially when it comes to our strategic location and our training opportunities, and I look forward to working with him after he is confirmed.”

General Welsh also said he looks forward to coming to Alaska to see the military installations first hand. His confirmation hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee is today.