Mullen becomes 17th JCS chairman

  • Published
  • By Donna Miles
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen took the helm Oct. 1 as the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vowing to work to give servicemembers "clear direction, outstanding equipment and focused policies" to accomplish current missions and prepare for future ones.

Admiral Mullen paused following his swearing-in ceremony at Fort Myer, Va., to honor members of the armed forces, particularly those "in harm's way spreading the promise of a brighter future."

"You are our greatest asset," he said, addressing the 2.4 million active, Guard and Reserve members of the armed forces. "Your bravery and your commitment are our nation's greatest gifts.  You are true heroes who, understanding that your missions are demanding, dangerous and often deadly, still raise your right hand with a promise and an oath to continue building on the legacy of service endearing you to the people of this nation."

This support will be critical, Admiral Mullen said, as he, his vice chairman, Marine Gen. James Cartwright, and the service chiefs and combatant commanders work together to develop and execute a strategy that supports U.S. national interests in the Middle East.

Admiral Mullen promised to reset, reconstitute and revitalize the military, especially the ground forces, to confront this challenge, while balancing risks around the globe to prepare for the future. 

"Fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan will one day end," he said. "We must be ready for who and what comes after. That's the promise we've made."

President Bush praised Admiral Mullen as the man to carry out that promise by carrying the torch passed by the retiring Marine Gen. Peter Pace.

President Bush cited Admiral Mullen's broad talents and experience: serving on a destroyer during intense operations in Vietnam, commanding three ships, serving as commander of all U.S. naval forces in Europe then Joint Forces Command before becoming chief of naval operations.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates thanked Admiral Mullen for his "willingness yet again to answer your country's call."

As Admiral Mullen answers the call, President Bush noted, he brings personal experience of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and an understanding of "what's at stake in the war on terror."

"He was on duty at the Pentagon when Flight 77 made its doomed plunge. He felt the plane slam into the building. He saw the carnage and devastation, and like all who worked there that terrible day, he still carries the pain and the loss," the president said. "Admiral Mullen was there when war reached America's shores, and he brings the talent, vision and judgment needed to help us fight and win that war."

Admiral Mullen recognizes the strength of the joint military in waging that war and believes "every member of our armed forces is, as he put it, 'part of one team and one fight,'" President Bush said.

He called Admiral Mullen "a man of decency and honor" who "will bring judgment and candor to decisions that may mean the difference between life and death for young Americans who are serving our nation."

As Admiral Mullen begins his service as chairman, President Bush said, he's fortunate to have the example set by General Pace, "one of the most respected and accomplished military leaders I have ever known."

General Pace praised his successor, noting that he and Admiral Mullen were midshipmen together at the U.S. Naval Academy and that Admiral Mullen introduced General Pace to his future wife, Lynne.

"Mike Mullen is as fine an officer as this nation has ever produced," General Pace said. "He has a keen intellect; he has the grit and the ability to speak his mind and to speak in a way that is clearly understood."

While acknowledging that he regrets relinquishing his post, General Pace told Admiral Mullen he's "so proud that you are the one who will take on the responsibilities as 17th chairman."

Admiral Mullen thanked General Pace for his leadership as chairman and said he is honored to follow him in carrying out the legacy of military service. 

"You led in a tough time, perhaps the toughest, and it's been a great honor serving with you," the admiral said. "I'm ready to take the watch, but I do not take it alone. With me is the supporting cast of over 2 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who also promised to serve." 

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