Navy Secretary John Dalton will turn over the reins of the department to his newly confirmed replacement, Richard Danzig, next month, the Pentagon announced Thursday.
Danzig, who held the Navy's number two spot from 1993 to 1997, will become the Navy's chief on Nov. 16. Until then, Danzig will be appointed to a limited-term Senior Executive Service position to smooth the leadership transition.
During the confirmation process, Danzig told the Senate Armed Services Committee he would continue trying to improve Navy business practices through acquisition reform. He also said he would strive to upgrade family housing, achieve Quadrennial Defense Review downsizing targets and meet regularly with sailors and civilians in the field to get their input on Navy programs.
"Any complete relationship with the men and women of the Department of the Navy must include unvarnished, unobstructed and frequent conversation, and participation alongside those working in the field," Danzig said.
Dalton is going to the private sector, but says he will not announce his specific intentions until he has left the government.
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