On April 6 , 2011 , McRaven was nominated by President Barack Obama for promotion from the rank of vice admiral to admiral and appointed as the ninth commander of USSOCOM , of which JSOC is a component . In his confirmation hearings , McRaven " endorsed a steady manpower growth rate of 3 % to 5 % a year " and favored more resources for USSOCOM , including " additional drones and the construction of new special operations facilities " . After the Armed Services committee hearings , in late June , McRaven was confirmed unanimously by the Senate for his promotion to full Admiral and as commander of USSOCOM and took command August 8 . The transfer ceremony was led by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in Tampa , with ADM Eric T. Olson also in attendance , two days after the Wardak Province helicopter crash which cost 30 Americans , including 22 SEALs , their lives . With several hundred in attendance , Panetta spoke of sending " a strong message of American resolve and ... carry ing on the fight "
the Wardak Province helicopter crash
2011 Afghanistan Boeing Chinook shootdown
William H. McRaven