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

• Navy Vice Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, Northern Command/Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Winnefeld is currently serving as director, strategic plans and policy, J-5, and as senior member, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.