David Petraeus was sworn in yesterday as the 20th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency during a ceremony at The White House.
Petraeus, who most recently served as the Commanding General of American and International Forces in Afghanistan, was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden.
“I have the absolute highest regard for you and for this Agency. I believe it’s one of the greatest concentrations of talent and capability that our country has,” Director Petraeus told employees. “I respect the intellectual firepower as well as the courage, initiative, and selfless commitment that are the hallmarks of this organization. And I truly feel very privileged to be part of such a legendary institution.”
Petraeus sent the following message to CIA employees yesterday following his swearing in.
I had the great honor this morning of being sworn in at the White House as the twentieth Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. I subsequently met with President Obama and thanked him again for the privilege of leading this legendary institution – and the privilege of serving with you, the talented men and women of the CIA, whose courage, ingenuity, and hard work have made a decisive difference in protecting the nation. I also noted my gratitude for Michael Morell, who has served so ably as Acting Director for the past two months while graciously helping to develop and deepen my understanding of our organization.
I wanted to join this Agency for many of the same reasons that I joined the US Army 37 years ago – for the opportunity to serve with extraordinary people, to continue to contribute to critical missions, and to be able to further serve our great country. Today, I feel much the same way as I did as a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant – excited by the challenge, inspired by the company, and honored by the duty. I eagerly look forward to starting our work together, and to bringing our Agency’s unique strengths to bear on the many foreign threats and opportunities our country faces.
