WASHINGTON - U.S. president-elect Barack Obama has introduced his choices for CIA chief -- Leon Panetta -- and national intelligence director -- retired Admiral Dennis Blair.

Obama said they will help the United States stay ahead of emerging threats.

The introduction of Panetta and Blair comes four days after their names were leaked to reporters.

There was surprise in Washington over the choice of Panetta for the CIA post.

The former White House chief of staff has no direct intelligence experience.

Blair is a former head of U.S. Pacific Command who was credited with fighting terrorism in Southeast Asia after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.