Senate confirms Robert Work as deputy Defense secretary

The Senate late Wednesday confirmed Robert Work to be the next deputy Defense secretary.

Work, a retired Marine Corps colonel and former Navy undersecretary, was approved by voice vote, three months after President Obama sent his nomination to the chamber.

{mosads}In a statement, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel lauded Work as an “admired and tested leader, with a distinguished career of public service, including during his time as an officer in the Marine Corps as undersecretary of the Navy.”

Hagel said Work “brings to this position a depth of experience, knowledge and expertise that will greatly benefit the Department of Defense.”

Work stepped down from his Navy post in March 2013 to become the CEO of the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank.

Hagel also commended Christine Fox, who has served as acting deputy secretary since December, saying everyone at the Pentagon owed her a “deep debt.”

“I am grateful to Christine for her wise counsel, steady leadership, and her constant dedication to our men and women in uniform. She will be greatly missed,” he said.