Bush Chooses New Army, Navy Secretaries

Associated Press ^ | 05-07-03

[Brian S]

Air Force Secretary Roche Replaces Dismissed Army Secretary Thomas White

POSTED: 3:47 p.m. EDT May 7, 2003

UPDATED: 3:52 p.m. EDT May 7, 2003

WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush has chosen New Mexico oilman Colin McMillan to be the secretary of the Navy and Air Force Secretary James Roche to replace the dismissed secretary of the Army, Thomas White.

The Navy hasn't had a permanent secretary since Gordon England left in January to become deputy secretary of the new Department of Homeland Security. Both appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.

White was fired by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, with whom he'd clashed about weapons systems and plans for the Army's modernization.

Roche is 23-year Navy veteran and former top executive at Northrop Grumman.

McMillan is chief executive officer of Permian Exploration Corp., and a former assistant defense secretary under Bush's father.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

I don't know anything about these people, but if they have the same determination and dedication as the other's Bush has appointed they will be outstanding. He is very best judge of character I believe I have seen in my life time.

[CedarDave]

Colin is a well-known Southeastern New Mexican from Roswell who has been active in Republican politics in the state and in economic development efforts. A good choice.

[CedarDave]

Bumping to add NM to topics.

[flyer182]

Isn't that kind of funny to say as they are replacing someone who was just fired?

[dighton]

If a Roswell oilman doesn't fetch the tinfoilers, nothing will.

;-)

[Gabrielle Reilly]

Why is that?