The Latest: 1st woman takes over top US command

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Latest on the installation of the first woman to lead a top-tier U.S. warfighting command. (all times local):

11:45 a.m.

Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson has become the first woman to lead a top-tier U.S. warfighting command.

She took over Friday as leader of the North American Aerospace Defence Command and U.S. Northern Command in Colorado,

Robinson was installed during a ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

Carter praised Robinson as a strategic thinker capable of making split-second life-and-death decisions.

He also said Robinson and her husband, David Robinson, understand the difficulties military families face, alluding to the death of David Robinson’s daughter following a pilot training accident.

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10:20 a.m.

Defence Secretary Ash Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, are in Colorado for the installation of the first woman to lead a top-tier U.S. warfighting command.

Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson will take charge of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defence Command in Colorado at the conclusion of Friday’s ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base. It included a 19-gun salute from cannons outside a hangar where officials are gathered.

People who know Robinson describe her as the personification of a new generation of leaders, someone who understands that the Air Force has a broad role in space, cyber security and drones, not just flying and fighting.

She is one of just two female four-star generals in the Air Force.

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11:08 p.m.

Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson becomes the first woman to head a top-tier U.S. warfighting centre when she takes charge of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD in Colorado.

Robinson assumes command in a ceremony Friday at Peterson Air Force Base.

People who know Robinson describe her as the personification of a new generation of leaders, someone who understands the Air Force has a broad role in space, cyber security and drones, not just flying and fighting.

Her family has deep roots in the Air Force. Her husband is a retired two-star general who was a pilot in the Thunderbirds demonstration team. Her father was a 30-year Air Force veteran and a pilot in the Vietnam War.

She is one of just two female four-star generals in the Air Force.