United States Department of Defense

                Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

                Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin Sr. has been nominated to serve as the deputy chairman, NATO Military Committee and for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general. Gaskin is currently serving as the vice director, Joint Staff in Washington D.C.

                Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. has been nominated to serve as the commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force and the commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command and reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general. Dunford is currently serving as the deputy commandant for plans, policies, and operations, Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.

                Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer has been nominated to serve as the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps and reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general.  Zilmer is currently serving as the commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force; commander, Marine Bases Japan, and commander, Marine Forces Japan in Okinawa, Japan.