Citing "divisive Senate confirmation," Gates moves to replace Pace as chairman of Joint Chiefs

Mullen tabbed to replace Pace

By LOLITA BALDOR, Associated Press Writer 5 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Switching course, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Friday he has recommended Adm. Mike Mullen, currently chief of naval operations, to replace Gen. Peter Pace as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Gates said he had originally intended to seek another two-year term for Pace, but concluded that would have resulted in a divisive Senate confirmation focusing on the Iraq War.

"It would be a backward looking and very contentious process," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference.

Pace has been either chairman or vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs for the past six years — a period that covers the Iraq war.

But he said that after consulting with senators in both parties, he had concluded that "the focus of his conformation process would have been on the past and not on the future."

Gates said that Mullen has the "vision strategic insight and integrity to lead America's armed forces."

At the same time, he conceded he wished "it were not necessary to make a decision like this."

more