US appoints new ambassador to the Philippines

The United States has sworn in a veteran diplomat as its new ambassador to the Philippines as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with the aftermath of a devastating typhoon.

The Senate expedited Philip Goldberg's confirmation and he was sworn in at an early morning ceremony Thursday at the State Department.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Goldberg will depart early next week, amid a massive U.S. aid effort for millions affected by Typhoon Haiyan that now involves more than 13,000 U.S. service members.

Goldberg said the U.S. is committed to helping its ally, the Philippines, make a full recovery.

Goldberg is a former ambassador to Bolivia, and most recently served as chief of the State Department's intelligence bureau. He replaces Harry Thomas as ambassador in the Philippines.