Obama nominates Dempsey as JCS chairman, Winnefeld as vice chairman

  • Published
  • By Jim Garamone
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff May 30 during a Rose Garden ceremony.

Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey as chairman and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as vice chairman. General Dempsey is currently the Army chief of staff and Admiral Winnefeld is the commander of U.S. Northern Command.

General Dempsey will replace Adm. Mike Mullen when his term ends September 30, and Admiral Winnefeld will replace Marine Gen. James Cartwright when his term ends in July.

The president intends to nominate Gen. Ray Odierno to succeed General Dempsey at the Army post.

The Senate must approve the nominations and the president called on the body to act expeditiously so the military transition will be "seamless."