United States Department of Defense

GENERAL HENRY H. SHELTON ON JOINT CHIEFS NOMINATIONS

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry H. Shelton today released the following statement:

"I am very pleased with the president's decision to name Gen. Dick Myers as the next chairman. As the vice chairman, Dick has been a crucial and indispensable part of the national security team for the past two years and is well prepared to meet the challenges of this high office. Dick brings the heart of a warrior and vision of a leader to this position. The armed forces and the nation will be truly fortunate to have Gen. Dick Myers as their chairman.

"I am also pleased with the nomination of Gen. Pete Pace to be the vice chairman. Pete's wide-ranging operational and joint experience will make him a great addition to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"The president and Secretary Rumsfeld could not have picked a better team to lead the armed forces in the next few years."