Obama rounds out national security team

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama put the final touches on his national security team Friday, with two nominees and several appointments to advisory panels.

Obama presented Washington veteran Leon Panetta as his choice to lead the CIA and retired Adm. Dennis Blair as his national intelligence director.

In addition, the president-elect said current national intelligence director Mick McConnell will serve on his foreign intelligence advisory board, Michael Leiter would remain as head of the National Counterterrorism Center and CIA veteran John Brennan would be his deputy national security adviser for counterterrorism.

Panetta and Blair must be confirmed by the Senate, while McConnell, Leither and Brennan do not.

"I'm confident that Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta are the right leaders to advance the work of our intelligence communities," Obama said. "Together, they will form a team that is uniquely qualified to continue the good work that is being done while making the changes we need to stay ahead of nimble threats and sustain the trust of the American people."

Obama also recognized the service of the intelligence community, saying they have "served in the shadows, saved American lives, advanced our interests and earned the respect of a grateful nation."