United States Department of Defense

NRO PERSONNEL CHANGES ANNOUNCED

Secretary of Defense William Perry and Director of Central Intelligence John Deutch today announced that they have asked two senior managers of the National Reconnaissance Office to step down.

NRO Director Jeffrey K. Harris and Deputy Director Jimmie D. Hill will be assigned to new positions in the Intelligence Community. Keith Hall, currently serving as Executive Director of Intelligence Community Affairs, has been named Deputy Director of the NRO and will serve as the Acting Director in the absence of a Director. The Director of the NRO also serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space, a position that requires a Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation.

In a joint statement Secretary Perry and DCI Deutch said, "This action is dictated by our belief that NRO's management practices must be improved and the credibility of this excellent organization be restored. We have the greatest respect for Jeff Harris' and Jimmie Hill's dedication and devotion to this nation's satellite programs and we know they can contribute to the Intelligence Community in new positions. We came to these decisions after considerable thought and deliberation and we are convinced it is time to make these changes and move forward."