HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Major General Sean A. Gainey has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate for appointment to the rank of Lieutenant General and for assignment as Commanding General, United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
The promotion and subsequent change of command are currently scheduled for a date to be determined in January 2024, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Currently serving as Director, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office/Director of Fires, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 in Washington, D.C., Gainey brings more than 30 years of leadership and technical experience to the job, particularly Air Defense Artillery, Joint command and staff assignments, and test and evaluation.
Gainey’s significant recent assignments include: Deputy Director, Force Protection, J-8, Joint Staff; Commanding General, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command; and Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command. He has supported Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Joint Task Force-East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Desert Sentry III.
Gainey is succeeding Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, who is retiring after more than 35 years of military service.
The confirmation is one of hundreds approved this week after Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over a Pentagon abortion policy. Tuberville had been under pressure from members of both sides of the political aisle to end his holds as senators complained about the toll it was taking on service members and their families, as well as on military readiness. Tuberville said holds would continue, however, for about 11 of the highest-ranking military officers.