Gates replacing Pace at Pentagon

WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates, facing a contentious Senate renomination hearing for Gen. Peter Pace, has chosen a new chairman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Gates announced Friday he has recommended that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen succeed Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Gates told reporters Friday that he wanted Pace to serve another term as chairman but after consulting with Congress determined the reappointment hearing would be "focused on the past rather than the future and further, that there was the very real prospect the process would be quite contentious."

"I think that the events of the last several months have simply created an environment in which I think there would be a confirmation process that would not be in the best interests of the country," he said. "I have decided that at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform, and General Pace himself would not be well-served by a divisive ordeal."

Gates said he was "disappointed."

"I wish that that were not the case. I wish it were not necessary to make a decision like this, but I think it's a realistic appraisal of where we are," he said.

Gates took pains to praise him, but the announcement, three months prior to Pace's end of service, raised questions with some Pentagon watchers who say Pace's influence will be diminished as people attempt to curry favor with Mullen.

Gates said he also wanted to retain Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but said the selection of Mullen -- also from the Navy -- precluded that. He said he offered Giambastiani another position but the admiral chose to retire instead.

Pace selected Marine Gen. James "Hoss" Cartwright, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, to be vice chairman. He will oversee the business side of the Pentagon -- weapons development, procurement, budgeting and resources. The chairman is the primary military policy adviser.