USA

Pentagon Announces New Acting US Defense Secretary

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a new Acting Secretary of Defense.

It follows President Joe Biden being inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States in Washington DC.

David Norquist has taken the Acting role until a permanent Defense Secretary is confirmed.

Retired four-star US Army general Lloyd J Austin is President Biden's pick for the position.

In a statement on Inauguration Day, Mr Norquist sent "sincere appreciation and gratitude" to the 25,000-strong National Guard presence and military members who helped ensure a "peaceful transition of power".

Gen Austin is President Biden's nominee for the Defense Secretary role on a permanent basis (Picture: US Department of Defense).

He also said the DoD will remain ready to "provide forces that deter war and protect the security of our nation".

"We look forward to seamlessly onboarding the incoming administration so America may maintain its strategic advantage and vast partnerships," he said.

Mr Norquist had served as the Deputy Secretary of Defense since July 2019

All three American military services will also have acting secretaries take temporary charge – John Whitley (Army), Tom Harker (Navy) and John Roth (Air Force).

Christopher Miller, Mr Norquist’s predecessor, last week told a group of reporters that he "cannot wait to leave this job".

Cover image: US Department of Defense.