New National Guard chief Nordhaus takes stage as Helene, Milton recovery continues

AUSA 2024 — Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus introduced himself as the 30th chief of the National Guard Bureau today, emphasizing that he will focus on ensuring readiness so that Guardsmen are prepared to overcome challenges at home and abroad. 

“During my time as Chief, we will remain focused on readiness every day — particularly in light of intensifying Great Power Competition,” Nordhaus said in an assumption of command ceremony. “We must always be ready to ensure our freedoms and our security are never in doubt.” 

Nordhaus officially started his new role Oct. 2, taking over from former Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson whose term ended in August. The new Guard chief, who was previously responsible for homeland air defense at NORAD, was confirmed by the Senate in September.

An immediate task for Nordhaus will be overseeing cleanup operations in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, including the need to combat disinformation campaigns that authorities recently said have led to threats against aid workers.

“They are rescuing families in devastated areas. They are clearing roads and establishing distribution sites, so our fellow Americans can regain access to life-saving food, water and power. They are bringing more than disaster response expertise to these communities — they are bringing hope and compassion to neighbors in need,” Nordhaus said of Guard soldiers assisting with recovery operations.

A member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Nordhaus will also be tasked with ensuring the Guard is ready for war with a peer military power, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine inches toward its third year and officials warn China is readying its military to take Taiwan by force if necessary. 

Nordhaus will additionally have to navigate some politically contentious issues. For example, budgetary pressures are driving the Air Force to divest a range of aircraft, potentially disrupting the missions of some Guard units who could be left without one-to-one replacements. Lawmakers may also soon decide the fate of Guard units that perform space missions, an issue that’s ignited controversy among some officials and supporters of the Guard. 

Pointing to the lack of Senate-confirmed leaders in other critical Guard posts, like director of the Air National Guard, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association applauded Nordhaus’s ascension, pointing to the “critical time” at which he’s taking up his post considering domestic and international challenges.

“We’re certainly looking forward to working with him,” the spokesperson said.