“It is with deep sadness that I extend my condolences on the passing of former Secretary of Defense Harold Brown,” expressed Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan in a statement.
“Dr. Brown led a remarkable life, first as an academic and scientist, and then as a public servant in a variety of prominent roles, including Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Secretary of the Air Force, and our 14th Secretary of Defense.”
“He shaped our nation’s military for more than two decades, revolutionizing the development of naval munitions, renovating America’s post-Vietnam War weapons platforms, developing stealth aircraft, and leading nuclear weapons research.”
“As Secretary of Defense, Dr. Brown’s steady leadership piloted our nation through a consequential segment of the Cold War.”
“His focus on deterrence through a strong nuclear triad facilitated long-term peace and stability in the United States and Europe.”
“Following his Department of Defense service, Dr. Brown continued to offer his insight and experience to our nation’s military and political leaders.”
“His wisdom and counsel were sought by leaders from five presidential administrations. We in the Department of Defense are forever grateful for Harold Brown’s devoted leadership and lifetime of service.”
Additionally, Kevin Sweeney, Pentagon chief of staff resigned over the weekend after serving the defense secretary for two years.
(More personnel changes are afoot at the Pentagon as Rear Adm. Kevin M. Sweeney’s departure comes soon after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned in December. Courtesy of CBS Philly and YouTube. Posted on an 6, 2019.)
“I’ve decided the time is right to return to the private sector,” Sweeney said in a brief statement posted on the Department of Defense website late Saturday night.
“It has been an honor to serve again alongside the men and women of the Department of Defense.”
Sunday morning, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan praised Sweeney in a pair of tweets stating,“we’re going to miss him here at the Pentagon.”
“I greatly appreciate Kevin Sweeney’s service to our nation, first as a Navy officer of more than 30 years, and then as the Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense for the past two years.”
1 of 2: I greatly appreciate Kevin Sweeney’s service to our nation, first as a Navy officer of more than 30 years, and then as the Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense for the past two years.
— Acting SecDef Pat Shanahan (@DepSecDef) January 6, 2019
“As he steps down to reenter the private sector, we’re going to miss him here in the Pentagon,” he added in a second tweet.
“We know great things are in store for him and his family.”
(The mood at the Pentagon has been solemn and depressed since Secretary Mattis announced his resignation from the DoD. Mattis is beloved by troops and general officers; Jennifer Griffin reports. Courtesy of Fox News and YouTube. Posted on Dec 21, 2018.)
“Following his assuming lead on January 1, 2019, acting Secretary of Defense Shanahan released the following statement on the Department of Defense website.”
“Under the direction of President Trump, the Department of Defense remains focused on safeguarding our nation.”
“We have deep respect for Secretary Mattis’ lifetime of service, and it has been a privilege to serve as his deputy secretary.”
“As acting secretary of defense, I now look forward to working with President Trump to carry out his vision alongside strong leaders including the service secretaries, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the combatant commanders, and senior personnel in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.”
“The Department of Defense continues to be one of our nation’s bedrock institutions.”
“Our foundational strength lies in the remarkable men and women who volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedoms, while making immense personal sacrifice.”
“It is an honor to work with such a dedicated team committed to the greatness of our nation.”
(Patrick Shanahan, the acting defense secretary, started his first full day at the Pentagon’s helm Wednesday by telling colleagues he sees China as a key priority. Shanahan, who took the top spot January 1 after Jim Mattis resigned amid disagreements with President Donald Trump, told key Defense Department staff to focus on the National Defense Strategy, a broad review that highlights a new era of ‘Great Power competition’ with Russia and China. The former Boeing executive, who moved up from the No. 2 job after Pentagon chief Jim Mattis left Monday, gathered civilian leaders of the military services and other top civilian officials before going to the White House for a Cabinet meeting. Courtesy of the Daily Mail and YouTube. Posted on Jan 2, 2019.)
