Senate confirms three Defense Department nominees

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter praised the Senate for confirming three nominees last week.

"I want to congratulate Gen. Mark Milley, Adm. John Richardson, and Lt. Gen. Robert Neller on their respective confirmations to be chief of staff of the Army, chief of Naval Operations, and commandant of the Marine Corps," Carter said. "Each is a proven leader with decades of operational experience. Our nation is stronger for their service, and the president and I will continue to benefit from their extensive expertise and strategic counsel in their new roles."

Carter also thanked those who had previously served in those positions. 

"Today, on behalf of the men and women of the Department of Defense, I also want thank Gen. Ray Odierno and Adm. Jonathan Greenert and their families for their decades of service and commitment to defending our country," he said. "And I want to thank Gen. Joe Dunford, and his family, for his leadership as commandant, and his commitment to continue his service in his next role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."