MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Friday announced her picks to serve as the country’s top military leaders once she takes office next month, naming General Ricardo Trevilla as defense minister and Admiral Raymundo Morales to lead the Navy.
The two posts are among the most senior for Mexico’s military, which under outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has seen its remit greatly expanded to include constructing major infrastructure projects, running a state-owned bank, a commercial airline as well a new tourist train.
In a statement, Sheinbaum recognized the dedication of outgoing defense chief General Luis Cresencio Sandoval and outgoing Navy Secretary Jose Rafael Ojeda, and said her picks followed an “extensive” search for the best candidates.
Both Trevilla and Morales have decades-long resumes of military service in various posts, according to a statement announcing their nominations.
Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first woman to be elected president, will take office on Oct. 1.
(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Sarah Morland)
