AL Political Reporter: “Austin, a Mobile native, is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and retired after serving as the commander of U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations and coordination in the Middle East. After retirement, Austin served on the boards of Raytheon, Nucor and Tenet Healthcare, and was also on Auburn University’s board of trustees.
Austin’s confirmation was approved in a 93-2 vote, and he was sworn in just after noon on Friday at the Pentagon, according to Politico.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as our country’s 28th Secretary of Defense, and I’m especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position. Let’s get to work,” Austin said in a tweet after being confirmed.”