WASHINGTON, DC – This evening, the full U.S. Senate approved the nomination of Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense.  Secretary Hicks is now the first woman ever confirmed by the full U.S. Senate to serve in this key role, the second highest ranking position in the Pentagon.

After the confirmation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:

“Today, Dr. Hicks made history and I know she will get right to work in this critical role.  She is a highly regarded defense policy expert who has served in multiple administrations with integrity and distinction.  She is a true professional.  I am pleased she will join Secretary Austin in leading the Department of Defense forward, defending our nation, and upholding our values.”

During the Obama Administration, Dr. Hicks served as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.  A former career civil servant in the Pentagon for more than a decade, Dr. Hicks is the recipient of distinguished service awards from three different U.S. Secretaries of Defense.