U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. Is Sworn In As Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff

Washington Post: Dunford becomes America’s top military officer as Dempsey retires

Army Gen. Martin Dempsey stepped down as the United States’ top uniformed official on Friday, making way for Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, who commanded U.S. troops in Afghanistan and will now take on a daunting set of military challenges including Russia’s buildup in Syria, China’s saber-rattling in the South China Sea, and a stalemated campaign in Iraq.

President Obama and Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter joined Dempsey and Dunford at the handover ceremony, accompanied by a gun salute, drum corps, and other military pomp, at a base near the Pentagon.

Obama praised Dempsey, retiring after a long Army career, for providing a “steady hand” in leading a military in transition after the large-scale deployments that followed the Sept. 11, 2011, attacks.

More News On U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. Being Sworn In As Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff

President Praises Retiring Dempsey, Incoming Chairman Dunford -- US Department of Defense
Dempsey Retires as Joint Chiefs Chairman in Emotional Farewell -- Military.com
Barack Obama Marks Transition at Top of Military Brass -- WSJ
Marine General Sworn In As US Military's Top Officer -- AFP
Change of command: Obama wishes Dempsey well, welcomes Dunford -- USA Today
General Dempsey retires, transitions Joint Chiefs of Staff chair -- UPI