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

Marine Corps Col. David C. Garza has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Garza is currently serving as the director, MAGTF Staff Training Program, Quantico, Va.

Marine Corps Col. Ronald J. Johnson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Johnson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC), Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Murray has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Murray is currently serving as the chief, JROC Section, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Marine Corps Col. Lawrence D. Nicholson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Nicholson is currently serving as the commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Corps Col. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr., has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. O'Donnell is currently serving as the commanding officer, HMX-1, Quantico, Va.

Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Brilakis has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Brilakis is currently serving as the chief, European Liaison Office, U. S. European Command, Washington, D.C.

Marine Corps Col. Robert R. Ruark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ruark is currently serving as the commanding officer, 3d Material Readiness Battalion, Okinawa, Japan.

Marine Corps Col. Charles L. Hudson has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hudson is currently serving as the chief, Automation Transformation Division, J-4, U. S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Marine Corps Col. William D. Beydler has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Beydler is currently serving as the commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group - 31, Beaufort, S.C.

Marine Corps Col. David H. Berger has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Berger is currently serving as the commanding officer, 8^th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine Corps Col. Mark A. Clark has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Clark is currently serving as the commanding officer, VMMT-204, Marine Aircraft Group - 26, Jacksonville, N.C