Myers retires; Pace takes JCS helm

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld hosted an armed forces farewell tribute and hail ceremony in honor of Gen. Richard B. Myers, the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, 16th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sept. 30 at Fort Myer, Va. The ceremony concluded with a joint service pass in review and flyover.

General Myers completed more than 40 years in uniform. He was appointed the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1, 2001, and reappointed to a second two-year term in 2003.

General Pace is the first Marine to hold the nation's highest military position. He has served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since Oct. 1, 2001.