Now it makes sense:

Remember back on November 3, 2006, when this was reported:

Cheney Vows 'Full Speed Ahead' on Iraq War

"I think it'll have some effect perhaps in the Congress," he said of the election's outcome, "but the president's made clear what his objective is. It's victory in Iraq. And it's full speed ahead on that basis. And that's exactly what we're going to do."

Some were wondering why Cheney seemed to be channeling David Farragut ("Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!") since a well known naval order hardly seemed appropriate for a desert war.

But it's clear now. From the Washington Post:

The administration also intends to nominate Navy Adm. William J. Fallon to head the Central Command, replacing Gen. John P. Abizaid as the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East. Some military officials consider Fallon an unusual choice, because he is a naval officer in charge of the Pacific Command with limited experience in the Middle East and would be in charge of two ground wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yes, an admiral is just what you want. Perhaps the much discussed "surge" will include sending the fleet into Anbar province. And using mine-sweepers to clear out the region of IEDs.


NAVAL TRIVIA: Former president Gerald Ford, who died last week, reached the position of Lieutenant Commander while he was in the navy. That rank is also held by the fictional Quinton McHale of the 1960's-era comedy McHale's Navy.


posted by Quiddity at 1/05/2007 10:16:00 AM