J. Daniel Howard Carlucci and his deputy, General Colin Powell. Howard focussed on arms control issues and remained through the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in January 1988. He also dealt with many issues associated with the Iran–Contra affair. On December 21, 1987, President Reagan nominated Howard to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) and Howard would hold this post from February 1988 through May 1989. He worked for Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci and dealt with the aftermath of the shooting down of Iran Air Flight 655 by the U.S.S. "Vincennes" and the explosion of a gun mount
Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and other Federal Department public affairs professionals. The ATSD(PA) is supported by the following divisions: The position was originally established as the "Assistant to the Secretary (Director, Office of Public Information)" by Secretary James V. Forrestal in July 1948. After Reorganization Plan No.6 of 30 June 1953 increased the number of assistant secretaries, Defense Directive 5122.1 of September 1953 redesignated the post as "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative and Public Affairs)" This position was abolished in February 1957, and functions were divided between two new posts, the "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)" and an "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative