U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement after the announcement that Secretary Mattis will retire in February:  

“Secretary Mattis led us through rebuilding our military after the readiness crisis to developing a forward thinking National Defense Strategy that prepares our military for the realities of the future. It is a shock to everyone that a career Marine with the nickname of ‘Mad Dog’ was genuine, gentle and understanding. He was devoted to the warfighter, military families and veterans. I always valued our close working relationship and our nation is better for his lifetime of service.”