Is probably an oncoming freight train. Still-the idea of Willard finally moving on from PACOM is a good one-and it would appear it may actually be safe to go back to Naples again:
Adm. Jon Greenert, the current vice chief of naval operations, was formally nominated Thursday to be the 30th CNO by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The nomination comes atop a slew of flag moves:
• Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, the chief of naval personnel, was nominated to replace Greenert as VCNO, a position that comes with four stars. Ferguson is a 1978 Naval Academy graduate and a nuclear-trained surfare warfare officer. He has commanded destroyer Benfold and Destroyer Squadron 18.
• Vice Adm. Cecil Haney was tapped to take command of U.S. Pacific Command, relieving Adm. Robert Willard. If confirmed, Haney would be the second African-American naval officer to wear four stars. Haney, now the deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is a 1978 academy grad and submariner. He has commanded attack submarine Honolulu and Submarine Squadron 1.
• Vice Adm. Harry Harris, the 6th Fleet commander, was nominated for assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and was recommended for reappointment to vice admiral. Harris is a 1978 academy graduate and naval flight officer who was born in Yokosuka, Japan.
• Vice Adm. Scott Buskirk, the 7th Fleet commander, was nominated to be chief of naval personnel and would be reappointed to vice admiral. Buskirk is a submariner and 1979 academy grad.
• Buskirk’s relief at 7th Fleet would be Rear Adm. Scott Swift, who is director for operations at U.S. Pacific Command. Swift, a graduate of San Diego State, was recommended for a third star. He entered the Navy in 1979 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate program and commanded Carrier Air Wing 14 and Carrier Strike Group 9.
Lots of Submariners…but also USNA…I suspect they are idiots.