Scott Large is stepping down as director of the National Reconnaissance Office, effective April 18, Reuters news wire service reported Thursday. According to Reuters, Large sent a memo to NRO employees on Wednesday announcing his decision, but without citing a specific reason for his departure. Large became the 16th NRO director in October 2007. His announcement came just on the heels of the Obama Administration approving a plan to procure new spy satellites (see above).
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held meetings with defense leaders from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea during a trip to the Indo-Pacific this week.