At 12:01 p.m., Jan. 20, David L. Norquist assumed the duties of Acting Secretary of Defense. In his capacity as acting secretary, Norquist will maintain continuity and readiness of the Department until a defense secretary is confirmed. Norquist has served as the Deputy Secretary of Defense since July 2019.
The acting secretary of the Army is John Whitley. The acting secretary of the Navy is Tom Harker. The acting secretary of the Air Force is John Roth.
“Today our nation swore in Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Commander in Chief of our military force, as well as Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice President of the United States,” Norquist said. “The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our nation and our democracy. I send my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the roughly 28,000 National Guard and active duty military members who are assisting local law enforcement in maintaining our nation’s legacy and preserving our future.”
“More broadly, the Department of Defense remains ready to provide forces that deter war and protect the security of our nation. We look forward to seamlessly onboarding the incoming Administration so America may maintain its strategic advantage and vast partnerships.”
