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February 18, 2015

Ashton Carter Sworn In as Pentagon Chief Following Senate Confirmation 
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Ashton Carter has been sworn in as the new defense secretary following
his overwhelming Senate confirmation vote last week.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter: "I have a commitment to the future, to
building a force for our future. That involves not only securing the
resources we need, but making sure that we make the best use of the
taxpayers' dollar, make sure that we embrace change, so that years from
now and decades from now we continue to be a place where America's
finest want to serve."

President Obama tapped Carter after forcing the ouster of Chuck Hagel
late last year. Carter has a long history at the Pentagon, where he once
served as the chief arms buyer. In 2006, he backed a pre-emptive strike
against North Korea if the country continued with a planned missile
test. Carter has recently voiced support for arming Ukraine and opposing
the transfer of prisoners from Guantánamo Bay.

 

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