Pete Hegseth became defense secretary over the weekend and said the department will focus on a mission of achieving “peace through strength.

“We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence,” Hegseth said in a message to service members. “Our standards will be high, uncompromising and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.”

He said in the message that service members will stand “shoulder to shoulder” to defend the U.S.

“I have committed my life to warfighters and their families,” he wrote. “Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back.”

The Senate confirmed Hegseth’s nomination Friday night. Vice President JD Vance administered the oath of office Saturday.

ADC Summit to Focus on Changes in D.C.

The Defense Communities National Summit, taking place March 31 to April 2, will focus on how communities and their advocates can adapt to leadership changes at the Pentagon and in Washington.

X photo from the Office of the Vice President