On 28 September 2007, the United States Senate confirmed Mattis's nomination, and he relinqished command of I MEF on 5 November 2007 to LtGen Samuel Helland.
On 28 September 2007, the United States Senate confirmed Lt. Gen Mattis as the next JFCOM commander. He relinqished command of I MEF on 5 November 2007 to LtGen Samuel Helland.