ARLINGTON, Va. -- President Barack Obama announced his nomination July 20 for Gen. James F. Amos to be appointed 35th commandant of the Marine Corps.
The announcement came after Amos, currently the Corps’ second in command, was recommended for the position by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
If confirmed by Congress, Amos will be the first career aviator to lead the Corps and would become the first assistant commandant in several decades to succeed his immediate boss.
Amos brings a sense of renewed enthusiasm to the amphibious mission of the Marine Corps.
In a statement to the Naval War College in June 2010, Amos said he is “more convinced than ever before that a balanced Navy-Marine Corps team, one that is capable of promptly, effectively and efficiently conducting operations throughout the entire range of military operations, is critical to the continued prosperity of our nation and is essential to the survival of our friends, allies and partners.”
Amos has held command at numerous levels most notably with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraq Freedom I and II from 2002-2004. He has also served as the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command and as the deputy commandant of Combat Development and Integration from 2006 – 2008. Amos was appointed to his present rank and assigned as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps in 2008.
Amos will be ushered in as commandant at a pivotal time as the Marine Corps tries to refocus its efforts as an amphibious force in readiness after eight years of fighting in a landlocked region.
Gen. James T. Conway is scheduled to retire in September.