Mattis headed to NORTHCOM, San Diego

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will make stops at U.S. Northern Command headquarters and San Diego, CA, during a quick domestic trip to end this week.

Mattis flew to Colorado Springs, CO, today to meet with North American Aerospace Defense Command/NORTHCOM leadership, according to a Defense Department statement. He is expected to discuss the dual command's role in "protecting the homeland, ballistic missile defense and USNORTHCOM's role in assistance to natural disasters."

Tomorrow, Mattis will visit SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific in San Diego, CA, before providing remarks at the Navy Fleet Synch Conference. He will conclude his trip by attending a Marine Corps basic training graduation.

The DOD statement notes the trip will mark the first time Mattis has visited either location since taking over as defense secretary.