Ex-Defense Chief Aspin Returns to Private Life

ARLINGTON, Va. — Former Defense Secretary Les Aspin returned to private life Friday, praising his successor and the country’s military leaders.

“I know that as I leave this job, America’s security is in great hands,” the former Wisconsin congressman said at a ceremony in his honor at Ft. Myer.

Aspin, who chaired the House Armed Services Committee before President Clinton nominated him as defense secretary, resigned two months ago. William J. Perry, who had held the No. 2 job at the Pentagon, was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in Thursday to replace him.

Perry said Aspin set the Pentagon on “a new, confident course” as the Cold War ended. Aspin also had to deal with the emotionally charged issues of gays in the military and women in combat.