A group of 123 retired U.S. military generals and admirals recently signed a letter expressing their support of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, ahead of his upcoming confirmation hearing.

According to Flag Officers 4 America’s website, the retired U.S. military generals and admirals agree that the president-elect has “demonstrated the leadership ability needed to provide for the safety and security of the United States of America.” Flag Officers 4 America pointed to Trump’s “proven track record of success” and said, “We support those he believes best suited to serve in his administration.”

The letter, which was signed by 123 retired U.S. military generals and admirals, noted that the retired military officials were offering their “strong support” for Hegseth to be confirmed as the next secretary of defense.

“There is no doubt that Pete Hegseth is passionate about our country, our military, and the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” the retired military leaders wrote. “He is a warrior who volunteered to join the military and he served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry officer. He understands combat from the grass roots level and will take that much needed perspective with him as the next SECDEF.”

READ MORE: 100+ Navy SEAL vets plan march to support Trump’s defense secretary nominee

The retired military generals and admirals explained that Hegseth is very familiar with the “disastrous effects” of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the military and that he is “committed to expunging it from our armed forces.” Instead of concentrating on DEI policies, the retired military leaders claimed Hegseth will concentrate on ensuring that the U.S. military is “prepared to fulfill its mission-to fight and win our Nation’s wars.”

“Former President Trump had many talented people to consider in selecting his SECDEF nominee in order to implement his plans for the Department of Defense,” the retired generals and admirals stated. “From those many people, he selected Pete Hegseth as the best qualified person he trusts to succeed as SECDEF.”

In the letter, the retired military leaders argued that Trump has both the “right” and the “responsibility” to choose important administration officials who will be able to fulfill the promises he made to the American people during the 2024 election. The retired military leaders added that one of the important promises Trump made to the American people was “making our military strong and lethal” and removing “wokeness” from the military.

“He has selected Pete Hegseth to carry out that mandate and he stands behind him in the face of those opposing Pete’s confirmation,” the retired military officials concluded. “We, the undersigned retired generals and admirals, stand with President Trump in endorsing Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.”