Carlos Del Toro, of Virginia, speaks during a Senate Armed Services hearing to examine Department of Defense nominations, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin, AP)
The Senate confirmed Carlos Del Toro as the secretary of the Navy, marking the second Hispanic secretary to hold the position. The upper chamber approved Del Toro by unanimous consent late Saturday, making him the third civilian official elected to a top Defense Department job.
“We remain the preeminent force in the world because of leaders like Carlos, and I have no doubt our Navy and our nation will be well served,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. “I congratulate him on his confirmation, look forward to working with him and take pleasure in welcoming him back aboard.”
The Cuban-born Del Toro previously served in the Navy for 22 years and commanded a destroyer during Operation Desert Storm. He’s since been running a Virginia-based government contractor he founded.
Del Toro pledged to be exclusively focused on the China threat and protecting national security interests in the Indo-Pacific theater.
I was thrilled to hear that earlier today Carlos Del Toro was confirmed as the 78th @SECNAV. As an immigrant who has dedicated his life to public service, Carlos exemplifies the core values of honor, courage, and commitment in defense of our country.
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 8, 2021
Source: One America News Network
