Obama Nominates First Openly Gay Secretary of Army

WASHINGTON — President Obama is nominating Eric Fanning, a close civilian adviser to Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, to be the secretary of the Army, the White House said on Friday. If confirmed, Mr. Fanning would be the first openly gay person in that post.


Mr. Fanning has been the acting under secretary of the Army as the current secretary, John McHugh, prepares to leave his post.

The appointment of Mr. Fanning has been widely expected. Mr. Fanning, a graduate of Dartmouth College, is well liked at the Pentagon.

His Defense Department jobs have spanned the services: He has served as Air Force under secretary, deputy under secretary of the Navy, and deputy chief management officer of the Navy. Mr. Fanning has also served as Mr. Carter’s chief of staff.