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"We are very grateful for his sustained commitment and support through some extremely demanding times, and wish him well for the future. We look forward to working with Mr Hutton to tackle the very considerable challenges that still lie ahead."
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Houghton, said: "Des Browne has been a tremendous supporter of our deployed armed forces throughout his tenure as Defence Secretary. He has been a regular visitor to Iraq and Afghanistan and all who have met him in those theatres have been impressed by his commitment to the welfare and safety of all our people and to the successful outcome of our operations. He is a man of huge conscience and will be greatly missed."
Shortly before his departure, Des Browne sent a personal message to all Armed Forces and MOD staff: "I am extremely sad to be leaving the post of Secretary of State for Defence.
"Some months ago, I told the PM that I intended to step down from government next spring. Therefore I fully understand why he has made the decisions that he has in this re-shuffle.
"It has been a privilege to serve this Labour government in all six of the ministerial jobs that I have held over the last seven years, but above all in the last two and a half years at Defence, which have been the most demanding but also the most rewarding of my professional career.
"The overriding reason for that has been the people I have worked with, military and civilian, at all levels. My admiration for our Armed Forces knows no bounds. The steadfastness and courage that they show in the defence of our country and its interests are an inspiration to us all.
"I believe that they truly are the best in the world. It has been a privilege to be their Secretary of State."
Mr Browne is succeeded as Secretary of State for Defence by Rt Hon John Hutton MP.
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