Peter Cook of Bloomberg Television interviews then-Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on April 3, 2014, in Honolulu. (Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo/DOD)
WASHINGTON — After a four-month search, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has found the civilian he was looking for to be the face of the Pentagon.
Bloomberg TV’s Peter Cook will take over the position of Pentagon press secretary, replacing Rear Adm. John Kirby, who announced he was stepping down in late February after Carter’s appointment. Carter reportedly preferred having a civilian spokesman.
Soon after, Kirby became the State Department spokesman. Col. Steve Warren had been filling in and will continue in the role until Cook comes onboard in July, according to Pentagon officials.
Cook is a veteran TV journalist who has reported for NBC News and MSNBC and was Washington bureau chief for EnergeyNewsLive. He also spent 10 years in local television as a reporter and anchor. His most recent position was chief Washington correspondent for Bloomberg TV.
“Peter’s years of experience in the national media coupled with his personal integrity and nonpartisan approach make him an ideal fit to represent this institution during a crucial period for our nation and our military,” Carter said in a release.
The Pentagon has not announced a date for Cook to start.
druzin.heath@stripes.com Twitter: @Druzin_Stripes
