Ashton Carter was sworn in Tuesday as secretary of Defense, the fourth person to hold that job in six years under President Obama.
Vice President Joseph R. Biden administered the oath of office to Mr. Carter, 60, during a ceremony in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. He called Mr. Carter a “profoundly capable manager,” saying his earlier work in high-level posts at the Pentagon included procuring mine-resistant vehicles and “protective undergarments” for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Your pioneering work saved thousands of lives and limbs,” Mr. Biden said.
The Senate confirmed Mr. Carter’s nomination last week by a vote of 93-5. He replaces Chuck Hagel, who resigned amid reports that he was dissatisfied with his working relationship with Mr. Obama.
Mr. Carter said he is committed to helping the president make the best decisions, to serving the men and women of the department and to making sure the Pentagon served taxpayers by “embracing change.”
He was joined by his wife Stephanie, son William and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. Mr. Carter declined to answer a question from a reporter about arming Ukraine after its ceasefire with Russia.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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