ARLINGTON, Va. — Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley will stay in his current position for an unspecified period in the new presidency, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked Donley to stay on under the Obama administration, Air Force Lt. Col. Brenda Campbell said.

"There was no time line given," Campbell said.

"Secretary Donley agreed to serve in his position until he is either replaced or otherwise asked to depart."

The Military Times newspapers first reported Monday that both Donley and Navy Secretary Donald Winter would stay on past Jan. 20.

Winter has decided to leave his current position by March 13, or until his successor is confirmed — whichever comes first, said his spokeswoman, Navy Capt. Beci Brenton.

"He was asked by Secretary Gates to remain until properly relieved," Brenton said Tuesday.

Gates has also asked Army Secretary Pete Geren to remain on the job until his successor is confirmed.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Gates in service to our soldiers and their families and working with the transition team to ensure an orderly transition to the new administration," Geren said in a Dec. 22 statement.

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