Wire: Obama's Deputy National Security Adviser Quits

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2009 -- Newswire services this afternoon reported that President Barack Obama's deputy national security adviser has called it quits.

The White House says Mark Lippert is leaving the administration to return to active duty in the U.S. Navy, according to a report published by The Associated Press.

Obama said in a statement Thursday that he was not surprised when Lippert broke the news because he is "passionate about the Navy." Obama says he admires and respects Lippert's devotion to his country and that he's answering the call to active duty service.

Lippert also had been chief of staff for the National Security Council. He served as Obama's national security adviser during the presidential campaign.

(Report from newswire sources.)