NSC's Lippert returns to active naval duty

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Deputy National Security Director and National Security Council Chief of Staff Mark Lippert will return to active duty in the U.S. Navy, the White House said.

Deputy national security adviser Denis McDonough will be the NSC chief of staff, the White House said Thursday in a news release.

NSC Director James Jones said Lippert was "vital" in building a strong and revitalized National Security Council.

"I'm confident that Mark will continue to serve his nation in the United States Navy with the same commitment and sense of patriotism that we benefited from here in the White House," Jones said.

"I will miss Mark and his counsel, his excellent work at the NSC," President Barack Obama said. "At the same time, I was not surprised when he came and told me he had stepped forward for another mobilization, as Mark is passionate about the Navy."