** FILE ** U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Mullen speaks during a media conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in this July 17, 2006 file photo. Mullen's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled for Tuesday July 31, 2007. In written answers to prepared questions, Mullen told the committee that 'rigorous' debate preceded President Bush's decision on troop buildup. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)