President Obama on Tuesday nominated Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Army Gen. Martin Dempsey as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to replace Adm. James Winnefeld as vice chairman. Throughout his nearly 40 years in uniform, Dunford has held command positions at every level. He led Marines during the initial invasion of Iraq, and he led American and coalition forces in Afghanistan as combat operations came to a close. “I have been extraordinarily impressed by Joe, from the Situation Room, where he helped to shape our enduring commitment to Afghanistan, to my visit last year to Bagram, where I saw his leadership firsthand,” said Obama. “He’s already proven his ability to give me his unvarnished military advice based on his experience on the ground.” Selva brings 35 years of military experience as both a pilot and commander. “As leader of Air Mobility Command, he earned a reputation as a force for change and innovation,” said Obama. As head of US Transportation Command, “he’s been committed to the partnerships that are a core principle of our national security strategy,” he added. The Senate must still approve the nominations. (Obama transcript)
The U.K. and the U.S. will continue to enjoy access to the ports, airfield, and workshops at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for at least another century, under a deal inked between the U.K. and Mauritius May 22.