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.”
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.