LIMA, Peru – Army Gen. Luis Howell Ballena has been appointed chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces.

Howell Ballena will replace Gen. Francisco Contreras Rivas, who will retire after 38 years of service, according to the Peruvian daily La República.

Vice Adm. Jorge de la Puente Ribeyro has been named the Gen. Com. of the Navy, replacing Adm. Rolando Navarrete Salomón, who also is retiring after 38 years of service, according to La República.

Gen. Paul Tito da Silva Gamarra will command the army, officials said.

Gamarra will replace Gen. Otto Guivobich Arteaga, who is expected to retire, officials said.

[La Republica.pe (Peru), 06/12/2010; Cronica Viva.com (Peru), 06/12/2010]