President Trump has nominated a top Boeing executive to be the deputy Defense Secretary.
Trump announced his choice of Patrick Shanahan on Thursday to second- highest ranking civilian at the Pentagon.
Shahanan has been serving as Boeing's senior vice president for supply chain operations since April. He is responsible for the manufacturing operations and supplier management functions for the company. Previously, he also served as the senior vice president of airplane programs at Boeing Commercial Airplanes where he was in charge of the 737, 747, 767, 777,and 787 programs. He also worked for other positions with the company.
Shanahan replace Obama administration hold over Bob Work.
Before being sworn into office, Trump criticized Boeing for charging an "out of control" expensive fee for the replacement for the Air Force One program- two new 747s. Trump met with the Boeing's CEO after that and he said he was able to bring down the costs.
Defense Secretary James Mattis asked Work to make a review of the Air Force One program in January to see which areas they can have savings. It is unclear what has been the progress or stage of the review now. There may be a need for Shanahan to rescue himself if the review would still be ongoing when he takes office.
Trump also nominated David Joel Trachtenberg to be the principal deputy under the Defense Secretary for policy. Trachtenberg is the president and CEO of Shortwaver Cobsulting, a national security consultancy. He had previous government service as former principal deputy assistant secretary of Defense for international security policy. He also worked as a staff member with the House Armed Services Committee.
Trump also nominated five others to Pentagon positions to fill up vacant seats since he took over in January.
Source:
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/324301-trump-nominates-boeing-vp-to-to-deputy-defense-secretary
