Lloyd Austin

Lloyd James Austin III, an American retired four-star general, was born on August 8, 1953. He later became the 28th United States Secretary of Defense.

In June 1975, Lloyd Austin graduated from West Point and was commissioned in the Infantry as a second lieutenant.

In 1979, Lloyd J. Austin III graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. This marked the beginning of his distinguished military career.

Lloyd Austin married Charlene Denise (Banner) Austin in the early 1980s and they have been together since.

In 1981, Lloyd Austin was assigned to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served as the operations officer for the Army Indianapolis District Recruiting Command.

In 1986, Lloyd Austin earned a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Auburn University's College of Education.

In 1989, Lloyd Austin earned a Master of Business Administration in business management from Webster University.

In 1993, General Austin returned to Fort Bragg and served as the Commander of 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division.

In 2003, Lloyd Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq.

In 2008, Lloyd Austin returned to Iraq and showcased a comprehensive understanding of the ground war, impressing Adm. Mike Mullen.

Lloyd Austin served as the commander of United States Forces - Iraq from September 2010 to December 2011.

In 2011, as the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Lloyd Austin oversaw the completion of the American withdrawal from the country.

From January 31, 2012, to March 2013, Lloyd Austin served as the Vice Chief of Staff for the US Army.

On December 6, 2012, Lloyd Austin was nominated by President Barack Obama to become the 12th commander of the US Central Command.

In March 2013, General Lloyd Austin was chosen for the top position at the US Central Command.

On April 5, 2016, Lloyd Austin retired from his military career.

On September 18, 2017, Lloyd Austin was appointed to Nucor's board of directors.

On May 29, 2018, Lloyd Austin was appointed as an independent director on the board of Tenet Healthcare.

On December 7, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense.

In December 2020, President Biden announced his intention to nominate Lloyd Austin, a former Iraq commander, as the Defense Secretary.

Shortly after assuming office, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited the National Guard deployed to Washington D.C. He praised their efforts in protecting the Capitol after the January 6, 2021 attack. Austin confirmed the Guard's expected departure from the Capitol complex in March, which was later extended to May.

Lloyd Austin addresses concerns about a retired general assuming the top civilian post at the Pentagon. He pledges to carry out the mission of the Department of Defense, deter war, ensure national security, and uphold civilian control of the military. Austin also vows to combat racism and extremism within the department.

Both chambers of Congress approve a waiver allowing Lloyd Austin to serve as secretary of defense, bypassing the seven-year waiting period after active-duty service. This is the second waiver of its kind, with the first being granted to James Mattis in 2017.

The Senate confirms Lloyd Austin in a 93-2 vote, making him the first African American to hold the position of defense secretary in the United States.

Lloyd Austin was ceremonially sworn in as Secretary of Defense by Vice President Kamala Harris on January 25, 2021.

During a press conference at the Pentagon, Austin apologized for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis to the President and the public. He took full responsibility and assured that there were no risks to the Department's command and control.

On February 2, 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin dismissed hundreds of members of 42 Pentagon advisory boards, including late appointments by the Donald Trump administration. This action was taken as part of a review of the boards' memberships.

Austin announced new training requirements for all members of the United States military to address concerns of right-wing extremism. The training includes emphasizing the oath of office, reviewing impermissible behaviors, and reporting extremist behavior.

During a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the commitment to the long-standing US-Saudi security partnership and expressed readiness to work together for regional security and stability.

Under President Biden's direction, Lloyd Austin coordinated military defensive airstrikes against an Iranian-backed militia in Syria. The airstrikes were in response to Iranian attacks on Americans and aimed to address the threat posed by the militia.

Lloyd Austin, the top defense official of the United States, visited Afghanistan for the first time, holding meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other officials.

In his first major policy speech, Lloyd Austin highlights the significance of emerging technology and the rapid advancements in computing power to modernize the military, envisioning a new era of warfare different from past conflicts.

Lloyd Austin announces his intention to suggest to President Biden a reform in the military justice system by removing the prosecution of sexual assaults from the control of commanders.

Under Lloyd Austin's leadership as defense secretary, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan was completed when the final American service member left on August 30, 2021.

In December, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to treat and cure prostate cancer. The surgery was performed at Walter Reed without informing the White House or senior staff, raising concerns about transparency.

In response to militia attacks in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command conducts strikes on facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, following injuries to U.S. service members.

Lloyd Austin is taken to Walter Reed due to severe pain, admitted to the intensive care unit without informing his staff or the White House, and transfers operational responsibilities to Hicks.

Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, confirmed that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, as per a statement from the Defense Department.

The U.S. carries out strikes on a militia target in Baghdad, with Hicks assuming authorities transferred by Austin, who had pre-approved the strike before his hospitalization.

Congressional notifications start just before the Pentagon issues a statement about Austin's hospitalization, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the health status of U.S. Cabinet members.

Austin admits to shortcomings in informing the public about his hospitalization, commits to improvement, but does not disclose his specific medical issues or the timing of notifications to the White House.

Congressional leaders announce further investigation into the hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who underwent a medical procedure on Dec. 22 and was admitted to the ICU on Jan. 1 due to severe pain. Details of the procedure are not disclosed.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent prostate cancer surgery and was later hospitalized due to complications from the operation. His hospitalization was kept secret from President Joe Biden and other government officials, raising questions about transparency and communication within the administration.

Lloyd Austin is discharged from the hospital and continues his recovery at home, including undergoing physical therapy. His doctors at Walter Reed provide an excellent prognosis for his prostate cancer.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized again for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue related to his previous prostate cancer surgery. Despite his doctors' positive prognosis, his mobility has been affected, leading to questions about his ability to fulfill his duties.

Lloyd Austin cancels a trip to address the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and undergoes a procedure under general anesthesia to address the bladder issue. His doctors state that his hospitalization is not expected to be prolonged.

Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken undertake a surprise visit to Kyiv, where they hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the AIPAC Political Leadership Forum, Lloyd Austin emphasized the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran to Israeli security and the region. He highlighted Iran's destabilizing actions, support for terrorism, and proliferation of advanced weapons.

On March 7, 2023, Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, makes a surprise visit to Iraq. This visit marks the first time the highest-ranking Cabinet official has visited the country since President Biden took office.

During his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lloyd Austin emphasized the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qa'ida. He highlighted the importance of investing in a modernized counterterrorism architecture to protect the U.S. and its allies.

Austin hosted the 12th meeting of the UDCG virtually with leaders from 50 countries, committing to support Ukraine's fight for freedom.

Austin delivered remarks at the 13th meeting of the UDCG, announcing a new package of over $2 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Austin spoke at the 14th meeting of the UDCG, highlighting the duration of Russia's war against Ukraine and the ongoing support for Ukraine.

At the 15th meeting of the UDCG, Austin emphasized the international condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the commitment to support Ukraine's security.

During his visit to Angola in September 2023, Austin delivered a speech at the National Archives Auditorium, highlighting the significance of Africa in the 21st Century world and reflecting on the values of democracy and freedom.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel, Lloyd Austin directed the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment demonstrated America's unwavering support for Israel's security and stability.

Lloyd Austin visited Israel on October 13, 2023, and announced U.S. support for the country was 'ironclad' following the military action against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Austin appealed to lawmakers for additional aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia's aggression, stressing the importance of global security.

Defence for Children International, Al-Haq, and Palestinians filed a lawsuit against Lloyd Austin, President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for failure to prevent genocide in Gaza. The lawsuit accused the Biden administration of complicity in Israel's actions against Palestinians.

During a visit to Ukraine, Austin announced a new security assistance package valued at up to $100 million to support Ukrainian forces amid Russia's assault.

Austin hosted the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group virtually, continuing efforts to support Ukraine's defense.

In his keynote address, Austin emphasized the significance of Ukraine in global security, highlighting the threats posed by Russia's aggression and the importance of standing up to tyranny.

Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational maritime task force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to address attacks from Houthis in Yemen on commercial ships. The operation aimed to ensure freedom of navigation and enhance regional security.

On December 22, 2023, Lloyd Austin underwent an elective medical procedure while on leave.

On December 27, 2023, the U.S. announced an additional $250 million package to help meet Ukraine's urgent security needs. The package includes various types of military equipment and medical supplies.

On January 1, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications following a surgical procedure for prostate cancer. He experienced fever and shallow breathing, requiring transfer to the critical-care unit for closer monitoring. Despite the lack of disclosure, Austin's doctors have stated that his prognosis is excellent.

On January 4, 2024, the U.S. conducted a strike in Baghdad. President Biden and Lloyd Austin had approved the strike before Austin was hospitalized.

Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year’s Day due to complications from a medical procedure. His hospital stay raised criticism as senior officials, including President Biden, were unaware of it.

In January 2024, it was revealed that the White House's National Security Council was unaware of Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for three days.

On January 8, 2024, Lloyd Austin was no longer in the ICU and was recovering in a private area of Walter Reed.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center announces that Lloyd Austin is being treated for prostate cancer, which was discovered in early December 2023.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized after experiencing complications related to his previous treatment for prostate cancer. The Pentagon faced criticism for not informing the White House, Congress, or the public sooner about Austin's hospitalization.

After being treated for prostate cancer, Lloyd Austin is released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on January 15.

On February 1, 2024, Lloyd Austin publicly acknowledges his mishandling of communication regarding his prostate cancer treatment. He issues an apology to his colleagues and the American public during his first news conference after returning to work.

On February 11, 2024, the Pentagon announces that Lloyd Austin has transferred his duties to his deputy as he is hospitalized for an emergent bladder issue. He is later released from the hospital on February 13.

On February 23, 2024, Austin issued a statement acknowledging the work of the 50 countries in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and the significant financial assistance provided to Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion.

Austin testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding his hospitalization, taking full responsibility for the lack of disclosure. He emphasized that there was never a break in command and control during his absence.

Lloyd Austin addressed Congress about Israel taking steps to increase aid to Gaza amidst questions about US support.

US Pentagon chief, Lloyd Austin, had a conversation with his Chinese counterpart for the first time since November 2022.

Lloyd J. Austin III assumes the role of Secretary of Defense, overseeing the Defense Department and serving as the principal defense policy maker and advisor.