Secretary Wynne: Rumsfeld helped reshape Air Force

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld changed the way the military thinks about defense during his six years at the Pentagon.

Secretary Wynne worked with Secretary Rumsfeld three times at the Department of Defense and in his current job.

"In each case I learned a lot about leadership, forthrightness and attention to detail," Secretary Wynne said after the announcement that Secretary Rumsfeld will leave his Pentagon post. 

At a White House news conference Nov. 8, President George Bush said he and Secretary Rumsfeld agreed it was time for change of Pentagon leadership. The president will nominate Bob Gates to replace the secretary. Mr. Gates is a former director of central intelligence and current president of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Secretary Rumsfeld's "acumen led the Air Force to become lean, lethal and agile, expanding our mission areas for a stronger joint team," Secretary Wynne said.

"His vision has not only made our Air Force more efficient, but has strengthened the entire Department of Defense and our nation," Secretary Wynne said. "The department will miss his leadership."

Secretary Wynne said, "I look forward to working with Mr. Bob Gates, as he will undoubtedly bring ideas fused with years of experience from various national security roles."

The president said, "Don Rumsfeld is a patriot and has served our country with honor and distinction. He is a trusted advisor and a friend, and I'm deeply grateful for his service to our country."