DHS Deputy Secretary Will Serve Until March 1st, 2005

The exodus from Washington continued Monday as James Loy, a retired Coast Guard admiral, announced his plans to step down from his post as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by March 1st.

That's made for a little hand wringing in the halls of Congress.

"The loss of two key leaders in rapid succession has to be worrisome, and replacements of their caliber will be hard to find," said Congressman Chris Cox (R-CA). Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is also stepping down as soon as the administration can find a successor.

Loy, who was the first director of the TSA, was hailed as an able administrator Monday. He "distinguished himself as a creative, long-range planner and a successful hands-on manager. And he was universally well-respected as Commandant of the Coast Guard, where he stressed readiness and strategic planning and introduced the Deep Water Program to modernize an aging fleet according to a mission-oriented and integrated acquisition strategy," said Cox, in a news release from Capitol Hill. "His vision and commitment to the protection of our country during the department's early years will have a lasting effect for years to come."

From Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge (Also On The Way Out)

For more than 40 years, Admiral James Loy has dedicated himself to the protection of our country and its citizens. Following his retirement as Commandant of the US Coast Guard in May 2002, Jim answered the call to service once again by standing up the Transportation Security Administration. He later joined the Department of Homeland Security to oversee the integration of 22 previously disparate agencies into one unified organization solely responsible for protecting our homeland. His vision and commitment to the protection of our country during the department's early years will have a lasting effect for years to come.

Jim was the first federal official to offer me his support, and that of the US Coast Guard, shortly after the President created the Office of Homeland Security within the White House. His presence, leadership, and counsel have been invaluable to the country and to me during my tenure. He is an extraordinary public servant and a dear and trusted friend. I thank him for his dedication and leadership over the past two years and wish Jim and Kay all the best.

Loy plans to serve as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security until March 1, 2005 or until a successor is confirmed in order to assist the Department and its new leadership during this transition period.

FMI: www.dhs.gov