The Senate overwhelmingly approved the nomination of retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to be the next Secretary of Defense shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday. Vice President Michael Pence swore him in shortly after the 98-1 Senate vote. “Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future,” said Mattis in a message to Defense Department personnel. “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.”
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest, killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
