U.S. President Barack Obama intends to nominate U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Lloyd Austin as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced on Thursday.

If his nomination is confirmed by U.S. Senate, Austin will succeed Marine Corps General James Mattis to head the Central Command.

Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders" and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department," said Panetta.

Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished on Dec. 18, 2011.

"During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said.

Mattis is retiring after leading the Central Command since Aug. 11, 2010. He has previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command.