Pentagon taps journalist for press secretary

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced on Friday the appointment of a new Pentagon press secretary. 

Peter Cook, who most recently worked as Bloomberg TV’s chief Washington correspondent, will take the position left open by retired Rear Adm. John Kirby, who went to the State Department.

“I am pleased to announce that Peter Cook will be joining my team as our spokesperson here at the Pentagon,” Carter said in a statement. 

{mosads}The job will be Cook’s first public affairs position. 

Carter said Cook’s “years of experience in the national media, coupled with his personal integrity and nonpartisan approach, make him an ideal fit to represent this institution during a crucial period for our nation and our military.” 

Cook’s reporting work focused on business and government, Carter said. He also reported for NBC News and MSNBC, and served as Washington bureau chief for EnergyNewsLive.

Before that, he spent 10 years in local television as a reporter and anchor. He is a graduate of Duke University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. 

In an interview with The Hill in 2009, Cook recounted how he started his journalism career as a weatherman in Idaho.

Officials also announced the creation of a new position as Cook’s deputy, though the formal title of the position is still being worked out. 

Cook will begin sometime in July, officials said. The position had gone unfilled since Kirby left in March.