Top Joint Chiefs of Staff leaders being replaced

Asked whether the developments indicated GOP support for the war was waning, Gates said, “No, I don’t think it says that.”

As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for two years, and vice chairman for the previous four, Pace has been involved in all of the key decisions leading to the 2002 invasion of Iraq and the planning for the post-Saddam Hussein era.

Johndroe said, “He is an example for all our men and women in uniform and has been an integral part of the president’s national security team.”

Mullen was in Annapolis at the Naval Academy Friday when the announcement was made. His spokesman, Cmdr. John Kirby, issued a statement saying Mullen was honored.

Gates said Mullen “has a broad view of what the needs and requirements of the services are.” To illustrate that, Gates said that when Mullen was recently asked by senior Pentagon adviser what he was most concerned about, he replied, “The Army.”

The Army has been strained to the breaking point by soldiers’ lengthy, repeated and difficult tours in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Gates also heaped praise on Pace, who recently celebrated his 40th year as a Marine. “He has served our country with great distinction and deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, trust him completely and value his candor and his willingness to speak his mind,” he said.

Vice chairman being replaced, too
Gates said he would recommend Gen. James E. Cartwright, currently the commander of the Strategic Command, to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He would succeed Adm. Ed Giambastiani, who is retiring.

The defense secretary said he had originally intended to name Giambastiani to a second two-year term, but Mullen’s selection had foreclosed that possibility. It is customary for the chairman and vice chairman to come from different branches of the service.

Other members of Congress were largely mum about the discussions with Gates prior to the announcement, preferring to offer praise for both Pace and Mullen.

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said Pace had served with “the greatest of distinction.” He added, “As we look to the future, in Admiral Mullen, we will have a new hand on the helm, a steady, well-trained hand that will guide and protect the men and women of all of our services, and their families.”

NBC News' Pentagon correspondent Jim Miklaszewski said that critics were calling Gates' announcement phase two of the administration's attempt to clean house at the Pentagon after Donald Rumsfeld was forced to resign as defense secretary last November.

Some Pentagon and military officials have quietly criticized Pace for not standing up to Rumsfeld and being what they considered blindly supportive of the former secretary, Miklaszewski reported.

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