General Officer Announcements

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

Air Force Col. Donald J. Bacon has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Bacon is currently serving as the deputy commander, 3rd Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Air Force Col. Warren D. Berry has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Berry is currently serving as the assistant deputy director, political-military affairs, Directorate for Strategic Plans and Policy, J5, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Casey D. Blake has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Blake is currently serving as the commander, Defense Contract Management  Agency, Lockheed Martin Marietta, Marietta City, Ga.

Air Force Col. Mark Anthony Brown has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Brown is currently serving as the director, financial management and comptroller, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Air Force Col. Stephen A. Clark has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Clark is currently serving as the commander, 27th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

Air Force Col. Anthony J. Cotton has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.   Cotton is currently serving as the commander, 34 1st Missile Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

Air Force Col. Thomas H. Deale has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Deale is currently serving as the director, Air Force Colonel Management Office, deputy chief of staff, manpower, personnel and services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Stephen T. Denker has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Denker is currently serving as the commander, Space Operations Wing, Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado, National Reconnaissance Office, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.

Air Force Col. John L. Dolan has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Dolan is currently serving as the commander, 8th Fighter Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Kunsan Air Base, Korea.

Air Force Col. Michael E. Fortney has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Fortney is currently serving as the chief, Nuclear Operations Division, Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Air Force Col. Peter E. Gersten has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Gersten is currently serving as the commander, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Air Force Col. Robert P. Givens has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Givens is currently serving as the deputy assistant chief of staff, J3, Air Force Element, U.S. Forces Korea, Yong San AIN, Korea.

Air Force Col. Thomas F. Gould has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Gould is currently serving as the commander, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Air Force Col. Timothy S. Green has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Green is currently serving as the special assistant to the commander, U.S. European Command, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium.

Air Force Col. Gina M. Grosso has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Grosso is currently serving as the commander, 87th Air Base Wing, Air Mobility Command, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Air Force Col. Joseph T. Guastella Jr. has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Guastella is currently serving as the chief, Program Integration Division, deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. David A. Harris has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Harris is currently serving as the vice commander, Air Armament Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Air Force Col. Daryl J. Hauck has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Hauck is currently serving as the commander and Air Force program executive officer for intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance and special operations forces, 303d Aeronautical Systems Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Air Force Col. John M. Hicks has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Hicks is currently serving as the director, Secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff of the Air Force Executive Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. John P. Horner has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Horner is currently serving as the commander, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing, Air Combat Command, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Air Force Col. Charles K. Hyde has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Hyde is currently serving as the deputy director, intelligence, operations and nuclear integration, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Air Force Col. Timothy T. Jex has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Jex is currently serving as the command surgeon, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Air Force Col. Patrick C. Malackowski has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Malackowski is currently serving as the commander, 51st Fighter Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, Korea.

Air Force Col. James R. Marrs has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Marrs is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the under secretary of defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Lawrence M. Martin Jr., has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Martin is currently serving as the deputy director-military, J5/4, Headquarters U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

Air Force Col. Jeffrey R. McDaniels has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  McDaniels is currently serving as the director, air operations, defensive counterspace for operations, plans and requirements, deputy chief of staff, operations, plans and requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Mark M. McLeod has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  McLeod is currently serving as the associate director, program integration, deputy chief of staff, logistics, installations and mission support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C.

Air Force Col. John K. McMullen has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  McMullen is currently serving as the commander, 3d Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Elmendorf  Air Force Base, Alaska.

Air Force Col. Linda R. Medler, has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Medler is currently serving as the deputy chief, information officer, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Matthew H. Molloy has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Molloy is currently serving as the commander, 1st Fighter Wing, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va.

Air Force Col. Michael T. Plehn has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Plehn is currently serving as the commander, 1st Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Air Force Col. Margaret B. Poore has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Poore is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Thomas J. Sharpy has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Sharpy is currently serving as the director, Air Force general officer management, deputy chief of staff, manpower, personnel and services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Bradford J. Shwedo has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Shwedo is currently serving as the cyber policy advisor, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, (Global Strategic Affairs) Cyber and Space Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Richard S. Stapp has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Stapp is currently serving as the chief, Aerospace Sustainment Directorate, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Air Force Col. David R. Stilwell has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Stilwell is currently serving as the special assistant to the under secretary of the Air Force, international affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Roger W. Teague has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Teague is currently serving as the commander, Space Based Infrared Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

Air Force Col. David C. Uhrich has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Uhrich is currently serving as director, command, control, communications and computer systems, J-6, Headquarters U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Air Force Col. Roger H. Watkins has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Watkins is currently serving as the commandant, Squadron Officer College, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Air Force Col. Mark W. Westergren has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Westergren is currently serving as deputy chief of staff to the deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Col. Scott J. Zobrist  has been nominated to the grade of brigadier general.  Zobrist is currently serving as the commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Air Combat Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, December 16, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs will conduct a press briefing at 12:05 p.m. EST at the White House Press Briefing Room to discuss the Afghanistan and Pakistan Annual Review.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright will conduct a press briefing at 2 p.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to discuss the Afghanistan and Pakistan Annual Review.  All journalists must be seated by 1:50 p.m.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event, have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Lassen Returns from Final 2010 Underway

By Ensign Sean A. Brophy, USS Lassen Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) returned to Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 13.

Lassen joined USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group during the past two weeks to participate in exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy and air force and with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) during Keen Sword 2011.

Exercises with the ROK military in waters west of the Korean peninsula were planned months in advance to increase the interoperability between the ROK navy and U.S. Navy. The two navies participated in highly coordinated drills including anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare scenarios.

The exercises also provided the opportunity for the U.S. to reinforce and emphasize its commitment to the Republic of Korea.

Following the completion of Korean naval exercises Dec. 1, Lassen took part in Keen Sword 2011 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

Joined by the attack submarines USS San Francisco (SSN 711) and USS Houston (SSN 713), and the Japanese destroyers JS Hatakaze (DDG 171) and JS Hamagiri (DD 155), Lassen was the only U.S. surface ship playing the role of opposition forces.

"Taking part in exercises like these is what being forward deployed is all about," said Cmdr. H. B. Le, USS Lassen commanding officer. "Working together with our allies' military forces — particularly the maritime forces — improves our mutual interoperability and promotes regional security and stability in the Western Pacific. It also supports U.S. 7th Fleet's persistent priority to develop and build maritime partnerships."

Earlier this year Lassen was presented the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Battle Effectiveness Award and awarded the 2010 Association of Old Crows Outstanding Navy (Surface) Unit Award.

Lassen's very own Chief Operational Specialist (SW) Samira McBride was recognized for her individual performance when she was selected as one the Navy's four Sailors of the Year.

Away from its forward-deployed port for 201 days in 2010, Lassen's crew made several port calls to Saipan, Korea, India, Guam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and locations in Japan.

USS Lassen will hold its sixth change of command ceremony Dec. 17, as Cmdr. Walter C. Wrye IV will assume duties as Lassen's seventh commanding officer. Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

House Votes to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask,’ Gates Urges Senate Action

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is pleased with today’s House of Representatives vote to repeal the law that bans gays from serving openly in the military, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said, and he hopes the Senate will follow suit before its current session ends.

The House voted 250-175 to repeal the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, and Senate action is required for the bill to go to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.

The president has advocated the law’s repeal, and Gates and other military leaders repeatedly have expressed a preference for legislative action – which they say would permit an orderly transition for the military – over having the law struck down by a court, requiring immediate compliance with the change and possibly creating different rules in different places.

“[The secretary] encourages the Senate to pass the legislation this session, enabling the Department of Defense to carefully and responsibly manage a change in this policy instead of risking an abrupt change resulting from a decision in the courts," Morrell said.

In a statement released by the White House, Obama praised House leaders for moving forward on repeal.

“I applaud the House for passing, with bipartisan support, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010,” the president said. “Legislative repeal is supported by the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The process contained in this legislation allows for a smooth and responsible repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a way that maintains good order and discipline in our military ranks.

“Indeed,” he continued, “all of the service chiefs have said that when this law is changed, they will implement an orderly transition effectively and efficiently. As the comprehensive study by the Department of Defense clearly shows, we can move to a new policy in a responsible manner that ensures our military strength and our national security.”

Obama thanked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy for their leadership on this issue.

“I have consistently called for the repeal of this law,” he said. “Moving forward with the repeal is not only the right thing to do, it will also give our military the clarity and certainty it deserves. We must ensure that Americans who are willing to risk their lives for their country are treated fairly and equally by their country.”

USS Carl Vinson Welcomes Commander Naval Air Forces

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) welcomed aboard commander, Naval Air Forces Dec. 14 during the Vinson Carrier Strike Group's composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California.

Vice Adm. Al Myers received a COMPTUEX overview in the ship's combat direction center (CDC) and observed the COMPTUEX evolutions from CDC.

He walked through the hangar bays greeting Vinson Sailors, and toured Aircraft Intermediate Department spaces. He visited Vinson's Reactor Auxiliary Room and the ship's trash processing spaces. He also met pilots from four Carrier Air Wing 17 squadrons and attended a senior enlisted meeting with Vinson's leading chief petty officers and embarked master chiefs.

"I'm thrilled to be here, and it's great to have an opportunity to get around the ship," said Myers. "You demonstrate what makes our Navy great and what makes our Navy important. I am very proud of you."

Myers praised Vinson's professionalism and dedication to duty evident in the ship's recent Inspection and Survey (INSURV) performance, the best in the past four years and the highest ever for a nuclear carrier.

"Usually I like to see one carrier do better than the last one on INSURV. But I don't know if that's possible now because Vinson set the bar so high. It's a fantastic accomplishment by all hands," said Myers. "The challenge is to keep the momentum going, to build and do even better."

Myers also encouraged the strike group Sailors to handle the gravity of their forthcoming mission.

"For the folks who are on their first deployment, they're going to write history. Vinson is going to be in the news," Myers said. "It's important to understand the Navy does two fundamental things - one is we influence foreign countries, build and disrupt coalitions, and we maintain sea lanes of commerce. You're going to influence a few foreign countries. By being present there, you're going to be protecting our lanes of commerce. You can't do that virtually, you have to be there, you have to be forward deployed. You prove every day what a strong team can do."

Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17; guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52); guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106); and frigates USS Gary (FFG 51) and USS Rentz (FFG 46); are completing the COMPTUEX certification prior to a Western Pacific deployment.

CNO Releases Holiday Message to the Fleet

Special from the Chief of Naval Operations

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) released his holiday message to the fleet in NAVADMIN 390/10 Dec. 10.

CNO Adm. Gary Roughead said the following in his message:

"I extend my warmest wishes to all Sailors, Navy civilians and their families for a joyous holiday season.

Thank you for your dedicated service and the great work you continue to do. Because of you, our nation can celebrate this holiday season knowing the world's most powerful Navy is on watch around the world.

For those deployed, you and your families are in our thoughts, and we are grateful for what you are doing.

For those at home, now is the time to celebrate with families, friends and loved ones. We work hard throughout the year, and this holiday season is a time for relaxation, reflection and remembrance of those who have gone before.

Celebrate responsibly and keep safety at the forefront of all your holiday activities. Getting where you are going and returning safely are the best gifts you can give your family, friends and shipmates.

I am honored to serve with you and to witness the undeniable good you deliver across the globe every day. Thank you for your service, and what your families do to support you, and I wish you a wonderful holiday season."

This Day in Naval History - Dec. 15

From the Navy News Service

1943 - The Chief of Naval Operations issued the Bureau of Naval Personnel Circular Letter on non-discrimination in the Navy V-12 program.

1944 - Congress appoints the first three of four fleet admirals.

1965 - Gemini 6 is launched with Capt. Walter M. Schirra Jr. as Command Pilot. The mission included 16 orbits in 25 hours and 51 minutes. Recovery was by HS-11 helicopters from USS Wasp (CVS 18).

1988 - Earnest Will convoy operations to escort reflagged tankers in the Persian Gulf is ceased.

This Day in Naval History - Dec. 14

From the Navy News Service

1814 - A British squadron captures U.S. gunboats in Battle of Lake Borgne, La.

1944 - The rank of fleet admiral (five star admiral) is established.

1945 - Capt. Sue S. Dauser receives the first Distinguished Service Medal awarded to a nurse.

1965 - The Navy announces completion of 1,272-ft. radio tower at North West Cape, Australia. It is the highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere at the time.

Servicemen build teamwork on the court

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

At 6 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 7 inches, LTJG Craig Johnson and YN3 Antonio Robinson may not find shipboard berthing very comfortable but they are unquestionably comfortable on the basketball court.

Johnson from the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin and Robinson from Personnel Services and Support Unit Alameda helped the 11-man U.S. Armed Forces basketball team reign the court to win the 47th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) international basketball tournament in Mons, Belgium, Dec. 4.

After an eight-day training camp in Germany to acquaint themselves with their new teammates, Johnson and Robinson had a feeling Team USA was an Armed Forces “Dream Team.”

“The first night we got there, we went down just to shoot and ended up getting into a 5-on-5 game,” said Johnson, who also played for the Coast Guard Academy. “From then, I knew it was going to be a real good team because we got along right off the bat and meshed really well.”

Over the six-day tournament, Team USA defeated eight other military teams from Latvia, Italy, Great Britain, Lithuania, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. In the final nail biting game, USA beat Lithuania 78-71 to win their first gold medal in the tournament since 2004.

“It was back and forth,” said Robinson, who also played on the 2010 U.S. Armed Forces International Military Sports Council (CISM) team. “They tried to come back three or four times, but we kept shutting them down in the second half.”

Congratulations to the men’s U.S. Armed Forces basketball team for their excellent teamwork and ultimate victory!

Deck the Hulls: EPIRB

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Post co-authored by Michael Baron, USCG Recreational Boating Safety Specialist.

Looking for the perfect gift for the boater on your holiday list? The holiday season is a perfect time to arm your friends and family with safe boating essentials. No matter what the time or temperature, it is always important to encourage your loved ones to “boat responsibly.” Over the next two weeks the Compass will feature gift-giving ideas that every boating enthusiast will love, but more importantly will keep them safe.

One of the most valuable gifts you can give the boater on your holiday list is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which is a specialized radio transmitter that acts as a rescue beacon when its user is in grave or imminent danger.

When a boater is in distress and their EPIRB is activated, a distress signal with a code unique to the beacon is transmitted and picked up by a worldwide distress system that multiplies the signal through a network of “listening” search-and-rescue satellites.

When a satellite picks up an EPIRB’s signal it calculates an accurate position of the distress and checks its unique identification code against the EPIRB registration database, containing the vessel’s owner and contact information. With this accurate position and owner information, the distress alert is then routed to the responsible Coast Guard command center or International Rescue Coordination Center.

The process is simple enough, but it can be confusing for a buyer to decide what kind of EPIRB to buy because there are different categories to buy from: Category 1 and Category 2.

A Category 1 EPIRB will automatically deploy and release itself after a hydrostatic release unit cuts the EPIRB free and will activate its emergency signal only after a vessel sinks below the surface. A Category 2 EPIRB must be manually released and activated by a crewmember. If a Category 2 EPIRB is purchased, it is recommended to stow it in close proximity to the steering station for immediate access should the boater find themselves in imminent distress.

Each beacon has a unique code, and when activated, will transmit a signal that is picked up by a worldwide distress system. This signal is then multiplied through a network of search-and-rescue satellites.

Another thing to consider when purchasing an EPIRB is what type of boat it will be used on. A Category 1 EPIRB should be purchased if there is room for it to be mounted in a position where it can float free for automatic deployment when the vessel sinks or capsizes. If that’s not possible, a Category 2 EPIRB that requires manual activation will be the best option.

Once your favorite boater has unwrapped this great gift and thanked you for possibly saving their life, there is one more step to gifting an EPIRB – don’t forget to register it! Proper registration is key, because without registering emergency responders will not have the accurate information of who needs help and what rescuers should prepare for.

When a beacon is unregistered or improperly registered, responders must spend valuable time in the early minutes of an emergency to obtain critical data about a boat’s owner, home port, emergency contacts and other information, even before a satellite gets a fix on a beacon’s location. When a beacon is properly registered all that information is already available to responders, saving precious time. You can register your new EPIRB at the Beacon Registration Database or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE.

The U.S. Coast Guard asks all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!”

General Officer Announcement

The Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated:

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr., to serve as the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs and for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general.  Milstead is currently serving as the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiting Command in Quantico, Va

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome Belgium’s Minister of Defense Pieter De Crem to the Pentagon today at 10:30 a.m. EST. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Army Col. Jeffrey Martindale, commander of Task Force Raider and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10 a.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.