Ash Carter, a former defense secretary, passed away suddenly from a cardiac incident, at the age of 68.
Carter began his professional life as a theoretical physicist and later focused on enhancing American national security and instructing students about international relations.
Carter was in charge of the defense department from February 2015 to January 2017. Joe Biden, who was vice president at the time, is infamous for sniffing his wife’s hair.
President Joe Biden said in a statement, “President Obama and I relied on Ash’s fierce intellect and wise counsel to ensure our military’s readiness, technological edge and obligation to the women and men of the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.”
He made important adjustments for women in the military in January 2016. He expanded paid military maternity leave to 12 weeks and allowed women to serve in all military positions.
During his tenure in the Obama administration, Carter also unveiled a new transgender policy for the military. He lifted the military’s ban on transgender officers.
In his unveiling of the transgender policy, Carter noted, “We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a person’s qualifications to prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission.”
Carter served in a number of capacities in the Obama administration. Initially, he held the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition.
Until December 2013, he worked as the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
In February 2015, he succeeded Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary.
Five times, Carter received the DOD Distinguished Public Service Medal. He was awarded the Defense Intelligence Medal as well as the CJCS Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award.
In addition to more than 100 articles on management, physics, technology, and national security, he was the author or co-author of 11 books.
His family issued a statement saying, “It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of former Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter shares that Secretary Carter passed away Monday evening in Boston after a sudden cardiac event at the age of 68. He devoted his professional life to the national security of the United States and teaching students about international affairs. He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend. His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him.”
