DAILY BRIEFING
Navy Secretary Dalton steps down
Navy Secretary John Dalton Monday announced plans to retire at the end of the year.
Dalton appeared at the Pentagon with Defense Secretary William Cohen to announce that he would return to the private sector after five years at the helm of the Navy.
"Given my love for the Navy, this was not an easy decision," Dalton said. "I consider myself extremely fortunate to have served in this capacity."
Cohen credited Dalton with opening job opportunities to women and minorities and with strengthening the Navy-Marine Corps relationship by moving the Marine Corps commandant into the Pentagon.
One of Dalton's sons is a Marine Corps officer; another is a Navy officer.
Rep. Paul McHale, D-Pa., a Marine Corps reserve officer who is retiring, is a candidate to replace Dalton, according to CongressDaily.
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