Ashton Carter was confirmed as secretary defense Thursday, taking on the job of supervising the war against Islamic State jihadists in the final two years of Barack Obama’s presidency.
Carter, 60, was approved in a 93-5 vote. An accomplished Pentagon veteran, he will replace Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense.
He had previously served as deputy defense secretary, the Pentagon’s No2 position, from 2011 to 2013. He was also the Defense Department’s chief weapons buyer from 2009 to 2011 when he led a major restructuring of the F-35 fighter jet program.
At his confirmation hearing on February 4, Carter underscored his determination to boost the US defense budget, drive down the cost of new weapons and make sure new technologies are delivered to troops quicker.
He also told lawmakers he was leaning in favor of providing arms to Ukraine but later cautioned that the focus of the international community’s efforts to handle the crisis must remain on pressuring Russia economically and politically.
Carter will not assume his official duties until he takes the oath of office, a ceremony expected to occur in the next several days. Till then, the incumbent Defense Secretary will continue to “carry out the full responsibilities of his office and he will do so right up until the time his successor is confirmed and installed.”
Carter will be Obama’s fourth defense secretary, succeeding Chuck Hagel, who resigned under pressure last year.
