Dunford, Carter ascend to new leadership roles in Navy Department

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Gen. Joe Dunford is the new Marine Corps commandant nominee, and Rear Adm. Walter Carter Jr. has been nominated to lead ...

By Stephanie Wasko
Special to Federal News Radio

The Department of the Navy looks to the leadership of two new stars: Gen. Joe Dunford for the Marine Corps and Rear Adm. Walter Carter Jr. at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Gen. Joe Dunford, left, and Rear Adm. Walter Carter Jr.
Dunford will lead the Marine Corps as its 36th Commandant if the Senate confirms his nomination. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Dunford’s nomination June 5.

Since February 2013, Dunford has commanded U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. Previously, he served as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps for two years starting in October 2010.

“Joe is an extraordinary leader who has always been faithful to his country and his Marines during more than 35 years in uniform,” Hagel said in a statement. “The President and I have greatly relied on Joe’s steady leadership as the commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.”

Hagel also announced Carter’s nomination June 6 to the rank of vice admiral and as the new superintendent of the Naval Academy. The Senate will have to approve Carter’s new position and change in rank.

Carter graduated from the Naval Academy in 1981 and became a naval flight officer a year later. He served as an aviator and a commander for many sea and shore assignments. He led in many roles, including executive officer of USS Harry S. Truman, commander of USS Camden and USS Carl Vinson, commander of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, commander of Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, and director of Task Force RESILIENT of the 21st Century Sailor Office.

In July 2013, Carter became president of the U.S. Naval Academy where he currently serves.

Stephanie Wasko is an intern with Federal News Radio.

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