Statement by Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis on Passing of Former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci

"It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci. 

Secretary Carlucci served our great nation under four U.S. presidents, both republican and democrat, as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, the Ambassador to Portugal, deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and several other roles within the Department of Defense before becoming Secretary of Defense.  

Appointed in 1987, with the end of the Cold War near, Secretary Carlucci was a transformative leader. He changed the way the Department worked with Congress, and managed critical defense issues, such as procuring major weapon systems, and rebalancing military priorities and resources under dynamic and challenging geopolitical circumstances. 

Secretary Carlucci left an indelible mark on the Department of Defense. On behalf of all our Service men and women and civilians, past and present, we will forever be grateful for his leadership and long honor his patriotism, service and legacy.”