Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn will leave his post to return to private life, Pentagon officials said yesterday.
Lynn, the second-highest-ranking civilian at the Pentagon, will remain in office until a successor takes his place, which is expected to happen by this fall.
"Bill Lynn has provided outstanding advice and counsel to this department and to the nation over the course of his long career," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in a news release. "I will rely on his experience and expertise during this transition period. His service will be greatly missed."
The Armed Forces Press Service called Lynn "the face of the Pentagon's cyber defense policy."
Lynn encouraged NATO to take cybersecurity seriously, prompting the alliance to adopt measures "to protect vital secrets during its summit last year," Garamone reported.
Lynn also was "instrumental" in the selection process that led to the award of the Air Force's aerial-refueling-tanker contract to Boeing earlier this year, according to the press service.
Period of Transition for the Pentagon
Lynn's impending departure is the latest in a series of changes in Pentagon leadership.
Panetta took over from retired Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week.
Marine Corps Gen. James "Hoss" Cartwright is scheduled to step down as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff next month, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will complete his four-year term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs at the end of September, the press service reported.
President Obama must nominate Lynn's successor. The Senate Armed Services Committee would hold a confirmation hearing, and the full Senate would vote on confirmation.
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