WASHINGTON (Feb. 27, 2013) — Chuck Hagel, former Republican senator from Nebraska and former director of government affairs for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in the late 1970s, was sworn in Feb. 27 as U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Mr. Hagel was sworn in at the Pentagon by Michael L. Rhodes, the Pentagon's director of administration and management.
He reported for duty as defense secretary the day after the Senate confirmed him by a 58-41 vote. Only four Republicans joined 54 Senate Democrats to vote for Mr. Hagel's confirmation after a Republican filibuster of his nomination ended.
Mr. Hagel is the first Vietnam War veteran to serve as defense secretary, and also the first enlisted man to hold the post.