The competition to replace Adm. Michael Mullen as the next chief of Naval operations might be down to two four-star officers.
A source close to the selection process told The Examiner that Adm. Gary Roughead, who commands U.S. Fleet Forces Command, is a leading candidate. Also in the running is Adm. Robert F. Willard, who commands the Pacific Fleet.
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The source, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of discussing pending nominations, said both officers have their backers in the Pentagon. It could be that a third candidate will emerge, the source said.
Candidates for services chiefs, who serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are usually recommended to the defense secretary by the outgoing chief and the service secretary.
Roughead’s headquarters provides weapon systems and manpower to the major war-fighting commands, such as U.S. Central Command.
Willard’s command is part of U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees forces in South Korea and Japan, as well as sea operations around China and other strategic areas. He is a former F-14 fighter pilot who commanded the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
The CNO post became open unexpectedly when Defense Secretary Robert Gates picked Mullen to replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as Joint Chiefs chairman.
