Panetta Ceremonially Sworn-In

Leon Panetta was ceremonially sworn-in as Defense Secretary Friday, three weeks after he took the reins at the Pentagon.

Appearing in the Pentagon’s auditorium before an audience of military, Defense and Congressional officials, Panetta received the oath of office from Vice President Joe Biden, who praised the Defense Secretary as a highly capable public servant with the “heart” to manage the Department.

In subsequent remarks, Panetta commented on continuing efforts to dismantle al Qaeda, noting that he believed the U.S. was “in reach of achieving a strategic defeat.”

 “But to do that, we have to continue to put pressure on them wherever they are,” Panetta added. “If we continue that commitment, then ultimately we will succeed.”

Panetta, who served as the chairman of the House Budget Committee during the Clinton administration, also pledged to manage the Pentagon in a fiscally conscious manner while simultaneously ensuring the safety of the country.

Jeh Johnson, the Pentagon’s General Counsel, officially swore Panetta into office during a small, private ceremony on July 1^st.