MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (June 30, 2010) – Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen, deputy commander, United States Central Command, assumed the position of acting commander at 1 p.m. today after Gen. David H. Petraeus left CENTCOM to assume command of International Security Assistance Force/U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

Allen, a 34-year career Marine Corps officer, became CENTCOM’s deputy commander on July 15, 2008.  His official biography is here.

Petraeus, who led CENTCOM since October 2008, was picked by President Obama to succeed Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal as the top commander in Afghanistan. The U.S. Senate today voted 99-0 to approve Petraeus’ appointment.

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