It’s good to be back and I’m grateful to serve alongside you as Secretary of Defense.
Together with the Intelligence Community we are the sentinels and guardians of our
nation. 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.
Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today
and in the future. Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work
with the State Department to strengthen our alliances. 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.
I am confident you will do your part. I pledge to you I’ll do my best as your Secretary.