Top Former Defense, Security Officials Back Romney

Mitt Romney announced today the support of former Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor Frank Carlucci and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

Between them, Carlucci and Hadley have deep experience in top posts at the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Central Intelligence Agency.

“It is a privilege to have the support of two such outstanding public servants,” said Mitt Romney today. “There are few leaders who have such distinguished records working in high office to protect this nation. From their time as young officers in the Navy to their many years advising presidents on a broad array of national security issues, Frank and Steve have served our country with great distinction. I am honored to have their support and grateful to have their counsel.”

Announcing his support, Carlucci praised Romney saying, “Governor Romney understands that America’s future security depends on restoring our economy and maintaining a military and diplomatic posture that advances both American interests and American values. Indeed, in the tradition of Ronald Reagan, Governor Romney grasps the deep interconnection between the two. I had the honor of serving President Reagan and I know something about his extraordinary leadership abilities. Mitt Romney has similar extraordinary qualities as a leader. At this moment of great global uncertainty, we urgently need him in the White House.”

Hadley echoed Carlucci’s sentiments, hailing Governor Romney’s leadership skills. “Having worked for many years at the highest levels of the U.S. government, I recognize in Mitt Romney the makings of a great president. Over the course of his career, Governor Romney has tackled a wide variety of problems and challenges, and at every step of the way he demonstrated discipline, intelligence, judgment, and courage.”

Background On Frank Carlucci And Stephen Hadley:

Frank Carlucci served as Secretary of Defense from 1987 to 1989 and National Security Advisor from 1986 to 1987.  He was Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1981 to 1983, and Deputy Director of the C.I.A. from 1978 to 1981. Prior to his service at the C.I.A., Secretary Carlucci served as Ambassador to Portugal from 1975 until 1978, and Director of the Office for Economy Opportunity from 1970 to 1971, among other posts. Carlucci graduated from Wyoming Seminary in 1948, Princeton University in 1952, and Harvard Business School in 1955 after two years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He began his career in the Foreign Service, serving from 1956 until 1969.

Stephen Hadley served as National Security Advisor from 2005 to 2009.  He was Deputy National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005 and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy from 1989 to 1993. He served as counsel to the Tower Commission from 1986 to 1987 investigating U.S. arms sales to Iran in 1987, on the National Security Council staff from 1974 to 1977, and in the Department of Defense from 1972 to 1974. Hadley graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell in 1969 and from Yale Law School in 1972, after which he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy until 1975.