Washington: After US President Donald Trump fired former Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Monday, two top-ranked Pentagon officials on Tuesday announced their resignation.
Retired Navy Vice Admiral Joseph Kernan, the Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence left his position according to a defence official, reported CNN.
"I tendered my resignation as USD (I&S) which will take effect today. I want to thank all of you for your tireless commitment to our nation and supporting me personally over the last three years. It has been my honour to serve with all of you. My family and I have long planned this departure and I leave knowing that our efforts will continue given your unrelenting dedication to the security of this nation," said Kernan in a message to his colleagues upon his resignation.
Another official has claimed that Kernan had plans to leave the administration sometime after the election but his departure was accelerated, reported CNN.
Meanwhile, James Anderson, the top policy adviser at the Pentagon, also submitted his resignation Tuesday, a day after President Donald Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
Anderson has been the acting undersecretary for policy since June. Previously he served as the deputy undersecretary since his confirmation for that job in August 2018.
Defense officials spoke about Anderson's resignation on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters.
