As expected, the U.S. Senate on Sept. 23 confirmed the nomination of Ashton Carter to be the next deputy defense secretary.
Formerly the Pentagon's acquisition chief, Carter "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," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in a Sept. 23 statement.
During the Clinton administration from 1993 to 1996, Carter served as assistant secretary of defense for international security policy. Before taking his most recent Pentagon job in 2009, Carter was chair of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.
Carter succeeds William Lynn, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
President Obama has yet to name a replacement for Carter's old job.
