Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is set to travel to Newport News, Virginia, as part of the ongoing "Arsenal of Freedom" tour. During his visit, he will tour shipbuilding yards and a recruiting station and will administer the oath of enlistment to new recruits.
The "Arsenal of Freedom" tour aims to call attention to the need for revitalizing American manufacturing and energizing the nation's workforce. The message underscores that national security and global peace are closely linked to the effectiveness of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and depend on American workers.
The initiative stresses the importance of rebuilding the DIB in support of President Donald J. Trump’s and Secretary Hegseth’s agenda focused on “peace through strength.” According to Hegseth, “American manufacturing is the bedrock of American strength. The men and women fueling this work are on the frontlines, alongside our warfighters, furthering the nation's efforts every day they show up to work.”
A central theme of the tour is a new approach to defense acquisition that prioritizes speed, innovation, and a commercial-first mindset. The plan includes reducing bureaucratic barriers, giving more authority to program leaders, and providing stable long-term contracts so industry can invest in expansion.
Hegseth said that these steps aim “to create a defense ecosystem that is more agile and accountable, capable of delivering the tools our warfighters need, when they need them.”
Described as more than just speeches or events, Hegseth stated: “The 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour is more than a series of speeches; it is a movement to restore our nation's industrial prowess and secure our freedom for generations to come. It is a reminder that the strength of our nation is not just in our military, but in the ingenuity and spirit of the American people.”
