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Deputy Secretary Of Defense To Step Down

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10.10.13 | 12:00 pm

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter answers reporter's question during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2013. Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter told reporters... U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter answers reporter's question during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 18, 2013. Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter told reporters Monday that Pyongyang’s threats would only deepen Washington’s defense commitment to Seoul. He says that includes a "nuclear umbrella" security guarantee for Seoul, which doesn’t have atomic weapons. He also notes flight training Tuesday of a B-52 bomber. The B-52 is nuclear capable. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) MORE LESS

Deputy Secretary of the Defense Ashton Carter will step down on Dec. 4, Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Thursday, according to Federal News Radio.

Details on why Carter is leaving his post were not immediately revealed, but Hagel praised Carter as an excellent employee.

“He is a brilliant strategist and an excellent manager who helped enhance the Department’s buying power, but Ash’s most recent tour of the department will be especially remembered for his tremendous efforts to provide more agile and effective support for our war fighters and their families,” Hagel said.

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