Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today that the President has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, Jr. for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as the commander, United States Marine Corps Forces Atlantic; commanding general, Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic; commander, United States Marine Corps Bases Atlantic; commander, United States Marine Corps Forces Europe; and commander, United States Marine Corps Forces South. Blackman is currently serving as the commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
