Bush tabs Gates for defense secretary

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Wednesday introduced former CIA Director Robert Gates as his next secretary of defense, succeeding Donald Rumsfeld.

"America remains a nation at war," Bush said, warning once again that terrorists want to destroy the United States.

"There's only one way to protect the American people," Bush said, "bring our enemies to justice."

Bush said the secretary of defense must be "a man of vision who can see threats over the horizon." Gates, Bush said, is the "right man to meet both these critical challenges."

Gates said he did not hesitate to return to public service when the president called.

"The nation is at war," Gates said. "The outcome of these conflicts will shape our world for decades to come."

Gates joined the CIA in 1966 and during his career at the agency rose through the ranks to the directorship. He also served on the National Security Council and most recently headed Texas A&M University.

Bush called Gates a man of "integrity, candor and sound government" who has "my confidence and my trust."

Bush also praised Rumsfeld, the longest-serving member of his cabinet.

Rumsfeld said it has been a privilege to serve Bush.

"I know with certainty over time the contributions you've made will be recorded by history," Rumsfeld said.