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Petraeus Gets New Title, Plans Pakistan Visit

Chief of US Central Command headed to region he oversees

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 2:51 PM CDT

(Newser) – Gen. David Petraeus’ first official trip as head of the US military’s Central Command will be to Pakistan, the Tampa Tribune reports. Petraeus was sworn in today at MacDill Air Force base, in Tampa, taking over from Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey. Petraeus’ new responsibilities at Centralcom include planning in 80 countries from Egypt to Kazakhstan, including Iraq, Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Petraeus would be in charge of “thwarting the malevolent designs” of terrorists and “keeping them from our shores.” Joint Chiefs chairman Adm. Michael Mullen praised Petraeus’ record in Iraq, the Los Angeles Times adds. “His watchwords—learn and adapt—have echoed from the streets of Baghdad to the halls of Washington,” he said. Petraeus takes off for Pakistan tomorrow.

New head of the US Central Command, David Petraeus, shakes hands with outgoing head Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, as Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looks on.
New head of the US Central Command, David Petraeus, shakes hands with outgoing head Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, as Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, looks on.   (AP Photo)
David Petraeus stumbles as he takes the stage during change of command ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
David Petraeus stumbles as he takes the stage during change of command ceremonies at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.   (AP Photo)
Army Gen. David Petraeus, new head of the US Central Command, covers his heart as troops applaud.
Army Gen. David Petraeus, new head of the US Central Command, covers his heart as troops applaud.   (AP Photo)
The scene today in Tampa.
The scene today in Tampa.   (AP Photo)
U.S. General David Petraeus.
U.S. General David Petraeus.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Guest
Nov 1, 2008 7:33 AM CDT
MARK MY WORD--PETRAEUS MAY NOT KEEP HIS POSITION BECAUSE OBAMA IS OUT TO REMOVE THIS GUY! Obama won't acknowledge the accomplishments on the surge because HE INTENDS TO PLACE THE MAN IN THAT REGION THAT HE WANTS! Obama told the Situation Room that he would listen to Defense Sec. Gates--will Gates has ties with the Bush Administration--so Obama intends to remove those individuals regardless of the cost--look for it--when it happens--remember this statement!
Shannonals
Nov 1, 2008 3:14 AM CDT
Reader40410478 you've been listening to Sen. McCain far to much, and not doing enough research on your own. Sen. Obama acknowledge the surged work, check Politco. Sen. McCain has been saying that Sen. Obama hasn't for weeks, even being corrected on Fox news. Gen. Petraeus isn't going anywhere. Although you are correct on one front, every President has removed members of the previous cabinet, it's called, cleaning house", and if either Sen. McCain/Obama is President it will happen.

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