Reed supports Hagel as Defense Sec.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPRI) -- Senator Jack Reed has come out in support of President Obama's nominee to head to Defense Department.

Reed, who is currently visiting with soldiers in Afghanistan, sent out a tweet Monday morning praising former Senator Chuck Hagel's nomination saying, "Chuck Hagel is a man of uncommon independence & integrity. His candor, judgment, & expertise will serve him well as #SecDef."

Hagel, a Republican, served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 until 2009. In 2002, he voted to authorize President Bush's use of force in Iraq. However, he later criticized the war, and its troop surge. Hagel visited Iraq in 2008 with Sen. Reed and then Sen. Barack Obama.

In Monday's announcement , President Obama referred to Hagel as "the leader our troops deserve."

Hagel still needs to be confirmed by the Senate. His selection has already been criticized by senators from both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans are opposed to Hagel's nomination for his recent anti-war stances, while some Democrats are skeptical of his position on gay rights.