190715-D-SV709-0027 WASHINGTON (July 15,2019) Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Richard V. Spencer took control of the Department of Defense following the announcement of the nomination of Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper to Secretary of Defense by President Donald J. Trump on July 15, 2019. Secretary Esper will reassume the role of Secretary of the Army during his process of confirmation. (DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith/Released)