Watch CBS News

Major General L. Scott Rice Sworn In As Commander Of Mass. National Guard

BOSTON (CBS) - Governor Deval Patrick swore in Major General L. Scott Rice as Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard on Friday.

Major General Rice has served as Acting Adjutant General since April.

He took over as interim commander of the Massachusetts National Guard less than a week after the previous commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter, was placed on leave and later resigned over a rape accusation.

Carter has denied the rape accusation, which was first uncovered by the WBZ-TV I-Team.

Maj. Gen. Rice will oversee the administration and operation of the 8,500 soldiers and airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard

He previously served as the commander of Massachusetts Air National Guard and as the Air National Guard assistant to the commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe.

"Major General Rice is a highly decorated and experienced leader, and has commanded air missions around the world," Governor Patrick said in a statement. "Over the past several months he has amply demonstrated his readiness to lead our Guard troops as Adjutant General."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.