AUGUSTA – A legislative committee gave its unanimous endorsement Monday to Robert McAleer of Harpswell to head the state agency that oversees response and recovery efforts when state emergencies occur.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 12-0, with one member absent, to recommend Senate confirmation of Gov. John Baldacci’s nominee.

Committee members were impressed with credentials presented on behalf of McAleer, a career Marine who oversaw the evacuation of 280 civilians from the American Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1991.

McAleer later served as executive secretary for the Department of Defense, where he was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. McAleer finished his military career as assistant chief of staff with the 1st Marine Division, where he managed training plans for 20,000 people.

His strong committee endorsement makes Senate confirmation very likely.