Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, kicked off the meeting by taking time to thank the victims of the California fires and thanking Sen. Jack Reed, the committee's ranking Democrat. Jack Reed, and introduced new members to the Senate committee who were sworn in this month.

Wicker warned the crowd not to cheer or express approval for the nominee and said anyone who did so would be removed from the hearing room. In his opening remarks, Wick praised Hegseth's credentials and the urgency of the current moment on the world stage, while acknowledging the scrutiny Trump's pick for defense secretary faces.

Wick said: "If confirmed, Mr. Peter Hegseth will take over this position at a critical time." He said that the United States faces the "most dangerous" security environment since World War II.

"America has entered a most dangerous period," Wick added, urging the department needed "dynamic" leadership.

Wicker posed a question to the committee, saying senators should ask whether the Pentagon's civilian leadership has been able to meet challenges in the past. He said that's not the case, saying most of the department's signature projects are years behind schedule and have other problems.

“Today’s Department of Defense is no longer prepared for great power competition,” Wick said.

"There's no denying that this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional," said Wicker, comparing Hegers to the president-elect as a departure from the norm. "That's probably why Mr. Hegseth was an excellent choice."

"Simply put, I am confident that Mr. Heges, supported by an experienced team of senior officers, will get the job done," Wick continued.

Wicker said senators should not underestimate the value of Hegseth's ability to communicate with the service members he serves alongside, and alluded to the controversy surrounding Hegseth's nomination.

"Mr. Hegseth admits that he failed to do what he did, as we all do from time to time," Wick said, noting that many of the accusations came from anonymous sources.

The chairman emphasized that those who have fought alongside Hegseth have proven his character, reading a letter from someone who touted Hegseth's leadership and combat experience.