Just moments after he was sworn in as the 26th Secretary of Defense on Friday, James Mattis delivered a message to those he will now be leading at the Pentagon, calling them the “sentinels and guardians of our nation.” Leading off his statement, Secretary Mattis announced he was glad to be back.
“It’s good to be back and I’m grateful to serve alongside you as Secretary of Defense,” he said to the department.
“Together with the Intelligence Community we are the sentinels and guardians of our nation,” Mattis continued. “We need only look to you, the uniformed and civilian members of the Department and your families, to see the fundamental unity of our country. You represent an America committed to the common good; an America that is never complacent about defending its freedoms; and an America that remains a steady beacon of hope for all mankind.”
Mattis also advocated to build strength by working together with the State Department to build relationships with the nation’s allies across the globe, saying that “no nation is secure without friends.”
“Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future,” Mattis said. “Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengthen our alliances.”
The new 66-year-old Secretary of Defense also mentioned that he will focus on the Pentagon not being wasteful with its spending to best serve the American people.
“Further, we are devoted to gaining full value from every taxpayer dollar spent on defense, thereby earning the trust of Congress and the American people,” Mattis added.
“I am confident you will do your part. I pledge to you I’ll do my best as your Secretary,” he concluded.
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