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Amata Welcomes Confirmation of Secretary of Defense Esper

July 23, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata released the following statement welcoming the confirmation of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper:

"I'm happy to congratulate Secretary Mark Esper upon becoming Secretary of Defense. I first met Secretary Esper in Tafuna when he came through as Secretary of the Army. I headed out to our airport in the night to make sure I met him that first time, since he had a leadership role for our many men and women serving, and I've gotten to know him since in Washington. It's important that our own serving in the Armed Forces from here in American Samoa will be led by a highly qualified Secretary of Defense. It's great to see that the U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense with a strong bipartisan vote of 90-8, and I'm confident Secretary Esper will deliver steady leadership at the Pentagon.

"Secretary Esper has extensive experience serving the country. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, and earned a Master's degree and a doctorate. He completed Ranger training, served in the 101st Airborne in the Gulf War, and later in command of a Rifle Company. After ten years active duty, he also totaled more than a decade in the National Guard and Reserves. He also advised former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, worked as Policy Director for the House Armed Services Committee, and served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the administration of President George W. Bush."

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Issues:Military