Eric Chewning, chief of staff to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, plans to step down from his post at the end of the month, making him the latest in a series of high-profile civilians to leave the department, according to Politico.
Chewning, a former Army intelligence officer and combat veteran, was first hired in 2017 and was later promoted to chief of staff by then-Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan.
Esper released a statement shortly after Chewing’s announcement.
“I’m grateful for Eric’s professionalism, judgment, and leadership over the last seven months as I moved into the Secretary of Defense role,” Esper said in a statement Monday. “In an incredibly demanding job, Eric has been a source of calm and tireless work. We wish him all the best upon his return to the private sector.”
RELATED: ‘Why Now?!’: Morning Joe Slams Trump For Empowering Iran Even More By Overreacting
