President Nominates National Security Agency, Defense

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 1996 – The White House announced President Clinton is nominating two general officers for top national security and defense intelligence positions.

Clinton is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan to become director of the National Security Agency and chief, Central Security Service. Both organizations are at Fort George G. Meade, Md.

Minihan, 53, is currently director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington. The Pampa, Texas, native replaces Navy Vice Adm. John B. McConnell, who retired Feb. 1 after 29 years of military service.

To replace Minihan at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the president is nominating Maj. Gen. Patrick M. Hughes for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as director. Hughes, also 53, currently serves as intelligence director, Joint Staff. He is originally from Great Falls, Mont.