Gordon Cresswell - Career

Career

Like his predecessor, General Cresswell is also a graduate from the United States Naval Academy. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Staff Judge Advocate for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to that, he served as the SJA in Iraq, where he was wounded and cited for saving a general's life. His injuries brought him to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he met President George W. Bush. When Admiral Chegwidden announced his retirement, Cresswell, then a colonel, was the administration's choice for the post.

A board of Naval and Marine flag and general officers submitted Cresswell's name to the Secretary of Defense for the post, but allegations of impropriety prompted a full hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Committee members grilled Cresswell on a variety of topics including torture, presidential power, and the legality of the war in Iraq. Though his confirmation was doubtful, Cresswell ultimately won confirmation and appointment to the grade of Major General. Cresswell's major argument during his hearing in front of the senate was that "the Law is blind. She is also an Independent. And she doesn't care if you get re-elected next year," and that the JAG position "shouldn't be political."

General Cresswell's assumption of command at JAG headquarters did not go without pain. He displaced the acting JAG, Commander Sturgis Turner, who was well liked by many of the office staff including Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Commander Harmon Rabb. Added to that, Cresswell and MacKenzie were once acquainted while assigned in Okinawa. Cresswell, then the Staff Judge Advocate in Okinawa reprimanded the man with whom MacKenzie was having an affair. Though MacKenzie assumed her rapid transfer spared her Cresswell's wrath, she later discovered Cresswell harbored no animosity toward her, since she was the junior officer involved.