Obama to Nominate Deputy Secretary, Three Other Top Defense Officials

WASHINGTON --- President-elect Barack Obama today announced his choices for four key Defense Department positions: deputy defense secretary, two undersecretary positions and general counsel.>> William J. Lynn III was named as Obamas nominee for deputy defense secretary. The president-elect also announced his intention to nominate:>> -- Robert F. Hale as undersecretary of defense (comptroller);> -- Michle Flournoy as undersecretary of defense for policy; and> -- Jeh Charles Johnson as general counsel.>> I am confident that these distinguished individuals have the expertise and commitment needed to help me implement a sustainable national security strategy that combats 21st century threats and keeps the American people safe, Obama said of the nominees.>> They share with me the utmost respect for our brave men and women in uniform, and will work day and night to support our troops, strengthen our military, and advance our capacity to carry out 21st century missions, he said.>> Obama said he recognizes the challenges ahead. Together with [Defense] Secretary [Robert M.] Gates and our military, we will work to responsibly end the war in Iraq, defeat al-Qaida and the Taliban and renew Americas strength and standing in the world, he said. I am honored that they have joined me in this mission, and I trust that they will serve the American people well.>> Gates has been intimately involved in the process of identifying and interviewing appropriate candidates for various vacancies throughout the department, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.