WASHINGTON, DC - Today, following President-elect Obama's announcement that he intends to nominate William J. Lynn III to be Deputy Secretary of Defense; Robert F. Hale to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller); Michele Flournoy to be Under Secretary of Defense (Policy); and Jeh Charles Johnson to be General Counsel to the Department of Defense, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), issued the following statement:

"President-elect Obama is assembling a strong team of leading defense experts at the Pentagon. Bill Lynn is a distinguished public servant and a real expert on national security issues. He brings a great deal of wisdom and experience to the table. He knows the intricacies of the Pentagon and is superbly prepared for this job. Along with Michele Flournoy and the other appointees, President-elect Obama has selected strong leaders who have shown strategic vision and pragmatism. I have a great deal of confidence in this team," said Reed, a member of the Armed Services Committee.