WASHINGTON —
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today expressed his support for President Barack Obama’s nominations to take the nation’s top two military positions.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey released a statement after Obama announced today that he will nominate Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. to be the next chairman and Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, to succeed Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. as vice chairman when the incumbents’ tours expire in the fall.
“I've known General Dunford for almost half of his 39 years of service,” Dempsey said in his statement. “He is a phenomenal, combat-tested leader and a man of integrity, courage and humility. General Selva is also a leader of competence and character. He has a tremendous understanding of the global security challenges we face and experience at every echelon of command, most recently leading our global transportation network.
“I have complete trust and confidence that our nation will be well served by these two military leaders at this important time in our history,” he continued. “They will faithfully serve our superb 2.2 million men and women in uniform and their families. I thank them -- and their families -- for their continued service.”
The nominations of Dunford and Selva will be subject to Senate confirmation.