WASHINGTON, December 6 (Sputnik) – The US Department of Defense (DOD) is not destabilized in any way, despite going on its fourth head during US President Barack Obama's time in office, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said during a press briefing on Friday.
"I don't think that there's any evidence to support that claim at all," Earnest said when asked whether the White House was concerned about the frequent change in defense secretaries over six years of Obama's presidency.
Earnest said that Obama is very pleased "with the service and leadership and advice that he has received from each of the gentlemen who's served this country as secretary of defense."
Earlier on Friday, President Obama formally nominated Ashton Carter, former deputy secretary of defense, as the next top US defense official.
Since Obama took office in 2009, Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel have assumed the roles of US Secretary of Defense.
Earnest assured that Defense Secretary Carter "will continue in the footsteps of those who have come before him" in terms of providing Obama with insight and advice.
Chuck Hagel, 68, who had served as defense secretary since February 2013, announced his resignation on Monday.
