Washington, D.C. ? Defense Secretary Robert Gates launched the Air Force in a new direction Monday by announcing an unusual choice as the service’s next uniformed chief and by declaring an immediate halt to personnel reductions that he said had put the Air Force under too much wartime strain.

Gates recommended that President Bush nominate Gen. Norton Schwartz, a 35-year veteran with a background in Air Force special operations, as the new Air Force chief of staff, replacing Gen. Michael Moseley, who has been sacked.

In a sweeping shake up, Gates also formally sent former Air Force official Michael Donley’s name to the White House to be the next secretary of the beleaguered service. Bush quickly announced he would nominate Donley, and designated him as acting secretary until he is confirmed by the Senate.