Defense Has New Acquisition, Tech Chief

John J. Young Jr. started work as the under secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, last week, following confirmation by the Senate Nov. 16.

Young replaces Kenneth Krieg, who announced his resignation in June. Young previously served as the director of Defense research and engineering and the department’s chief technology officer.

Mr. Young also served as former assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition. As the Navy's senior acquisition executive, Mr. Young implemented a wide range of innovative organizational and business practices to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Navy and Marine Corps procurement and research programs.

Prior to his Navy appointment, Young was a staff analyst with the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, where he worked on Defense procurement, research, development, test and evaluation programs.