The following is a Nov. 9, 2016 memo from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to the U.S. Department of Defense following the election of President-elect Donald Trump.
Nov. 9, 2016
MEMORANDUM FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EMPLOYEES
SUBJECT: Transition
Last night our fellow American citizens voted for a new President. That it happened
freely and peacefully is a testament to the great work of this Department. I am very proud of the way each and every one of you conducted yourselves during this campaign, standing apart from politics and instead focusing on our sacred mission of providing security. I am committed to overseeing the orderly transition to the next Commander in Chief. I know I can count on you to execute all your duties with the excellence our citizens know they can expect. In the meantime, we must stay focused on our duty to confront our current challenges and any that might arise during this period. I am mindful every moment of the day that you are carrying out your weighty mission in each and every time zone of the globe. May God continue to bless all of you and your families. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
*signed*
Ash Carter
