US President George W. Bush has named the US ambassador to Romania, Jack Crouch II, deputy national security adviser, replacing Stephen Hadley, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Monday. "The president believes his extensive experience in national defence and foreign policy will make him a valued member of his team and he appreciates his willingness to continue serving the administration," said McClellan.

Crouch has served as ambassador to Romania since May 2004, and was assistant defense secretary for international security policy from early August 2001 to late October 2003, according to his State Department profile.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2005