MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton's highest-ranking officer is on his way to becoming the Marine Corps' commander in chief.
President George W. Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Michael W. Hagee, currently the I Marine Expeditionary Force's commanding general, Friday to become the new commandant when Gen. James L. Jones vacates the post next year to become NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
The final step in the nomination process is comfirmation by the U.S. Senate.
"I'm honored by the nomination and, if confirmed, look forward to continuing to serve the Corps and country," Hagee said. "There is a process in place with these matters, which concludes after confirmation by the Senate. I'm focused on my job as the I MEF commanding general until the process is complete."
Hagee assumed command of the I MEF and its nearly 45,000 Marines on July 7, 2000.
After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1968, Hagee served in Vietnam as both a platoon and rifle company commander.
His previous command assignments include the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 1st Marine Division.
Hagee was also the liaison officer to the U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia from 1992-1993.
No date has been set for Jones to take his new position with NATO.