Carter Takes Office as Deputy Defense Secretary

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Ashton B. Carter was sworn in as deputy secretary of defense in a private Pentagon ceremony this morning.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Carter in his new position Sept. 23. He most recently served as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, a job he assumed in April 2009.

Carter succeeds William J. Lynn III, who took office Feb. 12, 2009, and returns to private life.

Following Carter’s Senate confirmation, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta thanked senators for their “strong vote of confidence” in Carter.

“Ash has a steady hand, a keen intellect, and an effective management style that will help this department keep faith with our troops and protect our nation,” Panetta said. “He is already an essential part of my team as an outstanding undersecretary of defense, and I look forward to his continued guidance and leadership as he assumes his new responsibilities.”

Panetta said Lynn “served with distinction and was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform.”

“I wish Bill and his family all the best for the future,” the secretary added.

The deputy secretary of defense is delegated full power and authority to act for the secretary of defense and exercise the powers of the secretary on any matters for which the secretary is authorized to act.

Before filling the undersecretary position, Carter was chair of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and co-director with former Defense Secretary William J. Perry of the Preventive Defense Project, a research collaboration of Harvard and Stanford universities.

Carter served as a member of the Defense Science Board from 1991-1993 and 1997-2001, the Defense Policy Board from 1997-2001, and on the secretary of state’s International Security Advisory Board from 2006-2008.

In 2001-2002, he served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Science and Technology for Countering Terrorism and advised on the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Carter holds bachelor's degrees in physics and medieval history from Yale University and a doctorate in theoretical physics from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes scholar.

A Farewell Message to the Defense Department

By William J. Lynn III
Deputy Secretary of Defense

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011 – As I depart the Pentagon after thirty-two months in office, I want you to know that serving as our nation’s 30th Deputy Secretary of Defense has been the greatest privilege of my life.

I am grateful for the strong leadership provided by President Obama, by Secretary Bob Gates, and now by Secretary Leon Panetta. I also want to thank my colleagues at DOD. There is no better team for these times, no stronger set of leaders for the challenges we face, no more dedicated group of people to work with in support of our troops.

Each day in this job, I have stood in awe of the young men and women who strap on body armor and go out on patrol, not knowing whether they will return to base safe. Each day, I have been humbled by the quiet determination of our military families and especially our wounded warriors, who have sacrificed so much. Each day, I have admired the dedication of our civil servants, who, a decade after 9/11, return every morning to a building once subject to brutal attack.

As I walk down the Pentagon steps a final time, I am confident our Department is well positioned to weather the institution challenges our fiscal environment presents. I wish you well in the months and years ahead as you continue to protect and defend our great nation.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks at the change of responsibility ceremony at 9 a.m. EDT as Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, 37th Chief of Staff, United States Army, transitions responsibility to Gen. Raymond T. Odierno at Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be conducted in Conmy Hall. Media interested in covering the ceremony should report to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s main entrance, Hatfield Gate, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. EDT.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, August 27, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 25, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Army Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, commanding general for Regional Command East, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta will address students at 1 p.m. EDT at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif.  Media interested in attending should contact Alan Richmond, NPS, at (o) 831 656 3649, (c) 831-809-1122.

Secretary Panetta will address students at 4:40 p.m. EDT at the Defense Language Institute, Monterey, Calif.  Media interested in attending should contact Dan Carpenter, Public Affairs, Presidio of Monterey at 831-242-6421/5555.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 1:48 p.m. EDT with one MC-130P.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, August 22, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

A National Capital Region flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 3:05 p.m. EDT with two EA6-B's.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, August 19, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at 8:40 a.m. EDT at the 2011 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems National Symposium at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Melanie Hinton, AUVSI senior communications manager at 571-255-7786.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 18, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Alisa Stack, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command deputy chief of staff for stability, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on governance and stability efforts in Afghanistan.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 11:48 a.m. EDT with one KC-135.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Denmark’s Minister of Defense Gitte Lillelund Bech to the Pentagon at 9:45 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, August 15, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, August 12, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 11, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Marine Gen. John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan, will brief the media live from ISAF headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, at 9 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations in Afghanistan.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 11:38 a.m. EDT with one B-52.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 04, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen will conduct a briefing today at 2:45 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  All journalists must be seated by 2:35 p.m.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at 9 a.m. EDT at the U.S. Joint Forces Command disestablishment ceremony in the JFCOM Complex, 115 Lakeview Parkway, Suffolk, Va.  Media interested in attending should contact Kathleen Jabs, JFCOM PAO at 757-826-6552.

Army Maj. Gen. James Terry, commanding general for Regional Command South, will brief the media live from Kandahar, Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn and senior service officials attend the farewell tribute for Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Gen. James E. Cartwright at 10 a.m. EDT at the Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C.  Secretary Panetta, Deputy Secretary Lynn and Gen. Cartwright will deliver remarks.  Media interested in attending should contact Capt. Lisa Lawrence, MCB PAO at 202-433-6660 or Lt. Col. Cliff Gilmore, VJCS PAO at 571-256-7408.

Obama Nominates Carter as Next Deputy Secretary

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2011 – President Barack Obama today nominated the Pentagon’s head of acquisitions, technology and logistics to become the next deputy secretary of defense.

Ashton B. Carter, whose nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, would replace William J. Lynn III, with whom he has worked closely and who recently announced his resignation.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta issued a statement saying he is “delighted” that the president has chosen Carter for the job, adding that he has excelled in his current position as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.

“His rapid and responsive support to the warfighter, and technical and program expertise are transforming the way this department does business and acquires weapons systems,” the secretary said. “His work has helped ensure that the weapons the United States military buys are more effective and more affordable.

“He is also a top strategic thinker, serving during the Clinton administration as assistant secretary of defense for international security policy and holding top academic posts at Harvard University,” Panetta continued. “I look forward to having Ash as my partner as we drive solutions to the strategic management challenges facing the Department of Defense.”

Panetta also praised Lynn for his “outstanding career of government service.”

“Bill has led this department in preparing for new strategic and fiscal realities,” he said. “He has shaped key major acquisition decisions, and was instrumental in crafting a new space policy, our first-ever operational-energy strategy, and a landmark cyber strategy.

“Secretary [Robert M.] Gates and I have relied on his experience and expertise, and his service will leave a lasting legacy,” he added.

Carter was appointed to his current position in April 2009, and has been a leader in Pentagon efforts to run the department more efficiently and find cost savings. His was among several nominations for various positions that the White House announced today.

“These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this administration,” Obama in a statement announcing the nominations. “I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

Last week, Obama appointed Carter to the 11-member Government Accountability and Transparency Board, which he established in June to cut waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government.

In his two years as undersecretary, Carter has championed efforts to find cost savings in the budget, especially in acquisitions, and to redirect money to support warfighters and speed up the fielding of equipment and other needs to deployed troops.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, July 29, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta visits U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Australian Minister of Defense Stephen Smith to the Pentagon today at 3 p.m. EDT.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Army Col. Sean Jenkins, commander of Regional Command East’s Task Force Currahee drawn from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, will brief the media live from Forward Operating Base Sharana in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Robert F. Hale; Deputy Chief Management Officer Elizabeth A. McGrath; Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller) Mary Sally Matiella; Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller) Gladys J. Commons; and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller) Jamie M. Morin testify at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on financial management and business transformation at the Department of Defense at 2 p.m. EDT in room SR-232A, Russell Senate Office Building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 9:45 a.m. EDT with four F/A-18E’s.