European edition, Sunday, July 29, 2007

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has recommended that Navy Vice Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald be promoted to admiral and become the new commander of U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, a Defense Department news release says.

Currently the director, Navy staff of the Chief of Naval Operation’s office, Fitzgerald must be nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the Senate for his new post, the news release says.

If confirmed, he would also become commander of Allied Joint Forces Command.

Gates has also recommended that Rear Adm. James Winnefeld Jr. be promoted to vice admiral and take command of 6th Fleet, the news release says.

If confirmed, Winnefeld would also serve as deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and head of Striking and Support Forces NATO, the news release says.

Migrated