[Calpernia]

Amid traditional bells, pipes and ceremony, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and Gordon England, secretary of the Navy and acting deputy defense secretary, praised outgoing CNO Adm. Vern Clark for his leadership and vision in leading the Navy during a particularly tumultuous five years.

Clark was "the right man to be on the job on 9/11 and in the difficult days that followed," England said, speaking on a blue-and-gold-draped stage at the U.S. Naval Academy's Alumni Hall. Under his leadership, the Navy not only responded to the crisis, but also improved its capabilities to face future challenges, England noted.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!