RETIREMENT CEREMONY TO HONOR ADMIRAL WILLIAM A. OWENS, VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

Secretary of Defense William J. Perry and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John M. Shalikashvili will host a retirement ceremony in honor of Admiral William A. Owens, U.S. Navy, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1996, in Alumni Hall of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Admiral Owens is scheduled to receive his second award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals.

A 1962 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Admiral Owens officially retires on February 29, 1996, after nearly 34 years of military service. He was appointed the third vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on March 1, 1994.

NOTE: Media wishing to cover the ceremony should contact the United States Naval Academy Public Affairs Office at (410) 293-2292. Media should check in at the press desk in the lobby of Alumni Hall which will be open for set up at 7:30 a.m. Media are requested to enter the Academy grounds at Gate 3. Media Parking is available at Mehan Hall parking lot. Other questions regarding the ceremony should be directed to Lt. Col. Marilla Cushman, Public Affairs Officer to the Vice Chairman, at (703) 697-4272.