Trump officially announces Pentagon pick Mattis

WASHINGTON (AP) – President-elect Donald Trump is officially announcing he will nominate retired Marine Gen. James Mattis to be his Defense Secretary, bringing his pick onstage in North Carolina.

Mattis briefly addressed the crowd in Fayetteville, thanking Trump for the nomination.

Fayetteville is the latest stop in Trump’s “thank you” tour to salute his supporters. The venue is near several major military bases, including Fort Bragg.

Trump is also repeating his vow to reinforce the nation’s military, believing it will lead to “peace through strength.”

He says, “We seek to build up our arms not to seek conflict, but to avoid conflict.”

Mattis will require a congressional waiver to accept the post since he has not been out of uniform for the required seven years.