General Charles Brown becomes the first black chief of the US Air Force, approved by the Senate

Washington, Ta. 10 June 2020, Wednesday

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of Gen. Charles Brown Jr. as chief of staff of the Air Force. At the same time, he became the first black officer to lead one of the country's military services. Vice President Mike Pence presided over the vote in the Senate.

98 members voted in favor

Brown's name has been confirmed by 98 votes against zero and Pence called the moment historic. The poll comes at a time when the Trump administration is currently facing a major uproar over the death of black citizen George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

Brown's achievement

Brown has most recently been commander of the US-Pacific Air Force. He is a fighter pilot and has more than 2,900 hours of flying experience. Last Friday, he posted a video on social media about his struggle in the face of apartheid and how he made his place in a white-dominated society.

Joined the Air Force in 1984

Brown joined the Air Force in 1984. "I'm thinking about my career in the Air Force where I was the only African American in my squadron or the only African American in the room as a senior officer," he said.