Gov. Henry McMaster has nominated US Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty to be the 29th Adjutant General for South Carolina.

The Adjutant General leads the South Carolina Military Department which consist of approximately 12,000 part and full-time service members and civilian employees.

McCarty lives in Lexington and has served as the Deputy Adjutant General since 2013.

Gov. McMaster made the announcement Jan. 17 during a press conference at the State House in Columbia.

“Our National Guard is ranked repeatedly in readiness as one of the top in the nation, which means they are fit to fight and respond to the needs of our citizens,” said McMaster.

“After a thorough review, it is clear that the man to lead our National Guard at this time is General McCarty.

“He’s served his country well. He’s served our state well, and I appreciate deeply the help and guidance I received from General Livingston in making this selection.”

Before introducing McCarty, McMaster thanked the outgoing adjutant general US Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., for his 8 years serving as a member of the governor’s cabinet and for his 40 years of military service.

Livingston will retire in March after a formal change of command ceremony scheduled for Feb. 16.

McCarty and his wife Susan have a daughter, Madelynn and four sons, Matthew, Micah, Mackenzie, and Major.