    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [June 8, 2007]
    [Pages 710-711]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Nomination of Admiral Michael G. Mullen To Be Chairman
    of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and General James E. Cartwright To Be Vice
    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    June 8, 2007

        General Peter Pace has served our Nation with great distinction for
    40 years. He is an outstanding marine, and he made history as the first
    marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
        As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Pete's job has been to help ensure
    that America's military forces are prepared to meet the threats of this
    new century. This is a difficult task in a time of peace. Pete Pace has
    done it in a time of war, and he has done it superbly. As part of our
    senior military leadership, Pete has helped oversee the liberation of
    more than 50 million people. I have relied on his unvarnished military
    judgment, and I value his candor, his integrity, and his friendship.
        Pete's life is the story of the American Dream. He grew up in an
    immigrant family, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and went on to
    hold the highest position in our Armed Forces. He is a man of character
    who leads by example. I thank his wife Lynne, who knows from long
    experience that military service is a family commitment. I also thank
    his son Peter and his daughter Tiffany. America has been blessed by
    Pete's lifetime of service. And I wish all the best for the Pace family
    as this good man begins a new chapter in his life.
        I am pleased to accept the recommendation of Secretary Gates that I
    nominate Admiral Michael Mullen to succeed General Pace. Admiral Mullen
    has performed ably as Chief of Naval Operations. He holds degrees from
    the U.S. Naval Academy, the Harvard Business School, and the Naval
    Postgraduate School. He has served ably in both the Atlantic and Pacific
    Fleets, as well as in both Allied and Joint Commands. And when he is
    confirmed by the United States Senate, he will make a superb Chairman of
    the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    [[Page 711]]

        Admiral Edmund Giambastiani has been a strong and effective Vice
    Chairman. He is an officer of vision and determination, and he has
    served at a time of unprecedented danger for America. His time in the
    Joint Chiefs capped an exemplary military career. As commander of the
    U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, he helped transform our Nation's
    military so it could better face the new threats of a new century. And
    he did the same for NATO while serving as its first Supreme Allied
    Commander, Transformation. The admiral is a highly decorated officer,
    but he is most proud of his unit awards and commendations because they
    represent team accomplishments. I thank his wife Cindy, his daughter
    Cathy, and his son Pete, for the support they have provided. I salute
    Admiral G for his long career of distinguished service. He has earned
    the thanks of a grateful nation.
        I am also pleased to announce that I am accepting Secretary Gates's
    recommendation to nominate General James E. Cartwright as the new Vice
    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Cartwright is a Marine
    Corps pilot who serves as commander, United States Strategic Command,
    where he has done an outstanding job managing America's global strategic
    forces. In that role, he is responsible for the global command and
    control of U.S. Strategic Forces. He is an exceptional officer, and when
    he is confirmed by the Senate, he will be an outstanding Vice Chairman
    of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Note: The statement referred to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.