March 18, 2020 DOD poised to provide masks, ventilators, labs for coronavirus fight The Defense Department will make available up to 5 million respirator masks and other personal protective equipment from its strategic reserves to the Department of Health and Human Services for distribution, DOD Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said during a news conference at the Pentagon March 18,
July 24, 2019 Esper Becomes 27th Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper became the 27th defense secretary July 23 during an early evening White House swearing-in ceremony. Earlier in the day, by a 90-8 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Esper to serve in the office.