Air Force base renamed after Sen. Lindsey Graham

CHARLESTON, S.C. (CBS, KYMA) - Joint Base Charleston now bears the name of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

The Defense Department rebranded the South Carolina military base Monday to honor the republican lawmaker and Air Force Veteran, who died last month.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Sen. Graham during the renaming ceremony as a man who never stopped fighting for the troops on Capitol Hill.

"He knew the timeless truth that to ensure peace, we must be prepared for war," Secretary Hegseth expressed. "Fully funding our warriors would be one last great accomplishment for Colonel Lindsey Graham and a major part of his legacy."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Gov. Henry McMaster (R-S.C.), and Graham's sister, interim Senator Darlene Graham (R-S.C.), also attended.

Interim Sen. Graham is facing nine other Republicans in a special primary election Tuesday to determine the GOP candidate who will replace her older brother on South Carolina's general election ballot.

She has President Donald Trump's endorsement.