ARLINGTON, Va. — Adm. James G. Stavridis has been recommended as the next head of U.S. European Command, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.

Stavridis is currently head of U.S. Southern Command. If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace Gen. John Craddock, who has been leading EUCOM since December 2006.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Douglas M. Fraser has been recommended as the new head of SOUTHCOM, Gates said. Fraser is currently deputy commander at U.S. Pacific Command.

Gates also said Adm. Robert Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, has been recommended as the next head of PACOM, which has been under the command of Adm. Timothy Keating since March 2007.

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