President-elect Joe Biden has named retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin as his nominee for secretary of defense, the Biden transition team announced Tuesday, writes CNN.

The former commander of the US Central Command would make history as the first Black person to lead the Pentagon if confirmed by the US Senate.

“Today, I ask Lloyd Austin to once more take on a mission for the United States of America - this time as the secretary-designate of the Department of Defense. I know he will do an outstanding job”, - Biden wrote in an op-ed published by The Atlantic on Tuesday.

“In his more than 40 years in the United States Army, Austin met every challenge with extraordinary skill and profound personal decency. He is a true and tested soldier and leader. I’ve spent countless hours with him, in the field and in the White House Situation Room. I"ve sought his advice, seen his command, and admired his calm and his character. He is the definition of a patriot”.

Biden will formally introduce Austin as his nominee at a Wednesday event in Wilmington, Delaware.