New Joint Commanders NamedAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 15, 2004 – Three Army, Navy and Marine Corps senior officers were nominated today to command joint-service organizations. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has been named to head Multinational Force Iraq. MNFI, in operation since May 15, "conducts offensive operations to defeat remaining noncompliant forces and neutralize destabilizing influences in Iraq in order to create a secure environment," states that organization's Web site. Casey is currently Army vice chief of staff; his new headquarters is located in Baghdad. Marine Lt. Gen. James E. Cartwright has been nominated for his fourth star and assignment to head U.S. Strategic Command, with headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. STRATCOM is "responsible for both early warning of, and defense against, missile attack and long-range conventional attacks," according to its official Web site. STRATCOM also deters and defends against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Cartwright is now the Joint Staff director for force structure, resources and assessment. Navy Vice Adm. Timothy J. Keating is slated for promotion to admiral and nomination to head U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, both at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. NORTHCOM's mission is homeland defense and civil support to "deter, prevent and defeat threats and aggressions aimed at the United States, its territories and interests within the assigned area of responsibility," states the command's Web site. Keating is now the director of the Joint Staff. Northern and Strategic commands are two of nine unified commands that have geographic or specific-role responsibilities. All nominations require Senate confirmation. Biography:
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Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has been named to head Multinational Force Iraq. 