Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday he has recommended that President Obama nominate Marine Corps Gen. James Amos, a career aviator, to be the next Marine Corps commandant. If nominated and confirmed, Amos would be the first Marine aviator to attain this post. Amos, USMC assistant commandant since July 2008, would succeed Gen. James Conway, who is retiring this fall after four decades of service. (DOD release) (See also AFPS report)
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held meetings with defense leaders from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea during a trip to the Indo-Pacific this week.