The Nominees

The White House last night announced nominees for three senior posts in the Office of the Secretary of Defense: Michael McCord, the No. 2 official in the Defense Department comptroller's shop, to be the comptroller; succeeding Robert Hale; Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Forces Christine Wormuth to be the department's policy chief, succeeding Jim Miller; and Brian McKeon to be the deputy head of the policy shop, succeeding Kathleen Hicks.

McKeon is deputy assistant to the president, executive secretary of the National Security Council, and chief of staff for the National Security Staff at the White House.

Further, the White House tapped Miranda A. A. Ballentine to be assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics. She is the director of sustainability, renewable energy, sustainable facilities, and stakeholder engagement for Walmart, a position she has held since 2008.

“I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this Administration and serve our country," President Obama said. "I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come."