About
Ashton Baldwin Carter was an American government official and academic known for his expertise in national security. He served as the 25th United States Secretary of Defense from 2015 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Before becoming Secretary of Defense, Carter held various positions within the Department of Defense, including Deputy Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. He was also director of the Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, contributing to academia and public policy.
Career Timeline
Deputy Secretary of Defense
Appointed Deputy Secretary under Obama.
Secretary of Defense Appointment
Becomes the 25th Secretary of Defense.
Returns to Harvard
Returns to academia at Harvard Kennedy School.
Sudden Death at 68
Carter dies unexpectedly at the age of 68.
Remembered Security Expert
Legacy as a national security expert and public servant.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 25, 2026