Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, January 28, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will make remarks at 11 a.m. EST, at the change of command ceremony of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen will introduce Secretary Gates. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Pentagon Channel.

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

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Clifford Stanley and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright will conduct a press briefing at 2:15 p.m. EST, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to discuss the progress of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal implementation effort.  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.