The Senate Armed Services Committee on May 25 endorsed Christine Wormuth to be the next Army secretary, advancing her nomination to become the first woman to lead the service.

Wormuth, a former undersecretary of defense for policy who appeared before the committee on May 13, must now be confirmed by the full Senate.

“It has been the privilege of my career to work alongside and see first-hand the sacrifices soldiers and their families make, as well as everything they have achieved in answering the nation’s call, time and again,” Wormuth said during her confirmation hearing. “I could not be more humbled and proud to have the opportunity to serve as secretary of the Army and to ensure that we continue to provide the Army what it needs to succeed.”

An experienced leader who is currently director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at Rand Corp., Wormuth promised to be a “hands-on” leader who, if confirmed by the Senate, would focus on taking care of people while making sure the Army has what it needs to fulfill its mission.

“I will be the strongest possible advocate for the Army inside the Pentagon and out,” she said, and pledged to work closely with lawmakers. “Without regular and constructive dialogue and partnership, we will not succeed in transforming the Army to meet future challenges.”

Also on May 25, the Senate Armed Services Committee advanced Gen. Paul LaCamera’s nomination to be the commanding general of U.S. Forces Korea. LaCamera, the current commander of U.S. Army Pacific, also must be confirmed by the Senate.