VIENNA
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said he is very upset to learn about the resignation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
Speaking at a press conference on Iran’s nuclear talks Monday in Vienna, Kerry said "I am very upset to hear that Chuck has made the decision to resign."
Hagel resigned from his post Monday following a difficult tenure in which he reportedly struggled to fit in with the U.S. administration’s national security team.
A Republican critic of the Iraq war, Hagel, 68, came aboard in February 2013 to manage the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, and guide the Pentagon during a period of budget cuts known as sequestration.
Kerry said the Pentagon couldn't have had a finer soldier and public servant like Hagel.
"He has done a super job for helping the Afghanistan transition," he said.
Hagel served in the Vietnam war and was awarded two Purple Heart medals, the oldest U.S. military award given to American service members.
"I respect his decision, and we will continue to work together until the time that his replacement is appointed," Kerry added.
Hagel will remain in office until the Senate confirms a successor.
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