Nomination Hearing

The Senate Armed Services Committee is planning a July 10 hearing to consider the president's picks to head the Marine Corps and lead U.S. forces in Afghanistan, as well as U.S. Northern and Special Operations commands:

General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., USMC, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commandant of the Marine Corps;

Admiral William E. Gortney, USN, for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Commander, United States Northern Command/Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command;

General John F. Campbell, USA, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, International Security Assistance Force/Commander, United States Forces, Afghanistan; and

Lieutenant General Joseph L. Votel, USA, to be general and Commander, United States Special Operations Command.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said this earlier in the week about Gortney, Campbell and Votel:

"All three are highly qualified officers who have devoted many years of service to their country," Hagel said in a statement. "If confirmed by Congress, they will be outstanding successors to Gen. Jacoby, Gen. Dunford, and Adm. McRaven, who have all been exemplary and highly effective commanders. I join the president in thanking all these leaders for what they have done and will continue to do for both our nation and our men and women in uniform."