: A Pentagon spokesman said the Defense Department is ready for the Sept. 20 repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law. “This is something that has been known for a long time,” said Pentagon press secretary George Little, and added, “We’ve gone through a process to certify repeal.” He told reporters at the Pentagon Monday that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen will talk with reporters Tuesday about the implementation, specifically those changes that had to await the law’s implementation. Air Force officials earlier this summer said the service was completing training for its airmen. (Pentagon report by Jim Garamone)
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.