Hagel welcomes Rice's selection as national security advisor

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said he looks forward to working with Susan Rice in her new role as national security advisor. In a statement released after US President Barack Obama announced that he had selected Rice -- currently the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations -- to succeed Tom Donilon, Hagel said he strongly supports the president's choice. " Susan Rice has been a very important leader on President Obama's national security team who has helped galvanize the international community to act on some of the toughest security challenges facing the United States," Hagel said." I also look forward to working with President Obama's nominee to succeed her, Samantha Power. She brings years of experience at the White House, in academia, and as a journalist to this critical position," he said. Hagel also expressed thanks to Donilon for his "strong leadership and tireless efforts." " For the past four and half years, both in my capacity as co-chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board and now as secretary of defense, I have greatly valued Tom's intellect, skill, and dedication to an honest and open process that provides the president with the best advice on the toughest issues,"the secretary said.