A Senate panel on Tuesday approved the nominations of Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal to be the next commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan and Navy Adm. James Stavridis to be commander of U.S. forces in Europe and the top NATO commander.

In a voice vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee sent the nominations to the full Senate.

McChrystal would replace Gen. David McKiernan, who was forced out by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. McChrystal also would be promoted to four-star rank.

Stavridis would replace Army Gen. John Craddock, who is retiring. Stavridis would be the first Navy admiral to hold the post.

The Senate panel also approved and sent to the full Senate the nomination of Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Fraser to replace Stavridis as commander of U.S. Southern Command and his promotion to four-star rank.