Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
Vice Adm. John C. Aquilino for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral, and for assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command; and commander, Fifth Fleet, in Bahrain. Aquilino is currently serving as deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, and strategy, N3/N5, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
Rear Adm. John D. Alexander for appointment to the rank of vice admiral, and for assignment as commander, U.S. Third Fleet, San Diego, California. Alexander is currently serving as director, joint fleet operations, N3/N5, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.
Rear Adm. William R. Merz for appointment to the rank of vice admiral, and for assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Merz is currently serving as director, Undersea Warfare Division, N97, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.