Senate to hold confirmation hearing for first Black 4-star general in Marine Corps

July 20 (UPI) -- Lt. Gen. Michael Langley is expected to face a confirmation hearing this week to possibly become the Marine Corps' first Black four-star general.

The Senate armed forces committee will question him Thursday for the promotion that would see him head up U.S. Africa Command.

If confirmed, Langley would be the first Black American to receive four stars in the Marines' 246-year history.

According to The Washington Post, there have been multiple Black three-star generals in the Marines and four-star generals in the Army, Air Force and Navy, but such representation has not been seen to the same levels in the Marines.

Stars and Stripes reported that he's one of only six Black generals in the Marines as of 2021.

President Joe Biden nominated Langley for the upgrade June 9.

Langley currently serves as commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, commanding general of Fleet Marine Force Atlantic and commander of Marine Corps Forces North in Norfolk, Va.

Born in Shreveport, La., Langley holds advanced degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Army War College. He's held posts in various parts of Asia and Europe, including a deployment to Afghanistan during the war there, NPR reported.

Langley's confirmation is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT.