Shea to replace Kellogg on joint staff

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert Shea has been nominated by President Bush for assignment as director of command, control, communications and computer (C4) systems for the Joint Staff and appointed to the grade of lieutenant general.

Shea will replace Army Lt. Gen. Joseph "Keith" Kellogg Jr., who held the position until his retirement late last month.

Shea's military career spans 32 years and he is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Forces Japan. Prior to his current assignment, he worked for the Marines as director for C4, chief information officer and commander of the corps' component to the Joint Task Force for Computer Network Operations.

Shea also served as the Marine Corps director of intelligence from July 1998 to July 2000. He came to the service's headquarters from the Pacific Command, where he served as the director for command, control and communications.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced Shea's nomination July 1, but a confirmation date has not been set.