WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated a Republican congressman from New York as Secretary of the Army.

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) watches on as his nominee for Secretary of the Army, Congressman John McHugh (R-NY) speaks to the press in the Diplomatic Reception room of the White House in Washington, June 2, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Ochoa) Photo Gallery>>>

    Obama said at a press conference in the White House that John McHugh, the ranking Republican in the House Armed Services Committee, is committed to keeping the Army "the best trained, the best equipped, the best land force the world has ever seen."

    The president also said McHugh will make sure the Army can handle the 21st-century warfare.

    The nomination must be reviewed and approved by the Senate.

    McHugh, who lives in Pierrepont Manor, New York, was elected to the House in 1992.

    Before that, he was a U.S. Senator from 1984 to 1992.

    McHugh would replace Pete Geren, who has been Secretary of Army since July 2007.