Obama names Republican Chuck Hagel as new defense secretary

U.S. President Barack Obama today nominated former Republican senator and a veteran of the Vietnam War, Chuck Hagel as his new Secretary of Defense in replacement of Leon Panetta.

On a speech at the East Room of the White House, in which he also announced the nomination of John Brennan as new CIA director, Obama said Hagel is the “leader our troops deserve, an American patriot.”

Chuck Hagel (L), Barack Obama and John Brennan (R)

The president pointed out Hagel’s past as a veteran of the Vietnam War and his two Purple Hearts awarded for saving the life of his brother and for becoming the first Pentagon chief who has been also a troop soldier.