Ash Carter became deputy defense secretary during a private swearing-in ceremony at the Pentagon Thursday. He replaced Bill Lynn, who stepped down after serving in that role since February 2009. Carter has been the Pentagon’s acquisition executive since April 2009 and has played a leading role in the Pentagon’s drive to shed overhead and operate more efficiently. The Senate last month unanimously approved Carter for the deputy post. (AFPS report by Karen Parrish)
Three U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers flew off the coast of Venezuela Oct. 15 in a show of force, as the U.S. expands its military presence in the Caribbean.
