Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday he has recommended that President Obama nominate Marine Corps Gen. James Amos, a career aviator, to be the next Marine Corps commandant. If nominated and confirmed, Amos would be the first Marine aviator to attain this post. Amos, USMC assistant commandant since July 2008, would succeed Gen. James Conway, who is retiring this fall after four decades of service. (DOD release) (See also AFPS report)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
