President Barack Obama on Friday nominated Eric Fanning to be the next secretary of the Army, along with new undersecretaries for the Navy and Air Force

Fanning served as the acting Army undersecretary since February, led the Air Force temporarily and worked closely with Defense Secretary Ash Carter when he took over the Pentagon. If confirmed, Fanning will be the first openly gay Army secretary.

“Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role. I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will help lead America’s Soldiers with distinction,” Obama said in a statement.

Murphy, a former paratrooper and former Democrat lawmaker, championed national security as well as gay and transgender rights during his time in the House from 2007-11 and.