WASHINGTON - The US Senate unanimously confirmed Leon Panetta as US defense secretary on Tuesday, hailing his successes as the chief of the CIA just as major challenges await him in Afghanistan and Libya.

All 100 members of the Senate approved the nomination of Panetta, a rare show of unanimous support for a federal government official.

The incoming defense chief will have to oversee a troubled war in Afghanistan, the withdrawal of the remaining US troops in Iraq, and US participation in the NATO-led Libya campaign.