Who is US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin?
AFTER retiring from the military, Lloyd Austin took on a career in politics.
The former US Army general went on to become Joe Biden's Secretary of Defense.
Who is US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin?
Born on August 8, 1953, Lloyd Austin is an American politician and retired US Army general from Mobile, Alabama.
Austin is widely known as the US Secretary of Defense and a member of Joe Biden's cabinet.
Before Biden and the US Senate appointed him as Defense Secretary, Austin had a long tenure with the nation's military.
His former titles within the military include 33rd Vice Chief of Staff and 12th Commander of US Central Command.
After 40-plus years in the armed forces, Austin officially retired in April 2016.
On January 22, 2021, the Senate confirmed him as the 28th Defense Secretary.
His term marks the first time an African American has served in the abovementioned position.
Austin was first nominated for secretary of defense on December 7, 2020.
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How long has Lloyd served in his position?
Upon his confirmation, Austin became the first black man to hold the position.
"The fact is, Austin’s many strengths and his intimate knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we face," Biden said of his appointment.
"He is the person we need in this moment," the president continued.
"I've sought his advice, seen his command, and admired his calm and his character," Biden also said of Austin.
"It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as our country’s 28th Secretary of Defense," Austin stated on X — formerly known as Twitter — at the time.
"I’m especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position. Let’s get to work," he continued.
The defense secretary does not have a fixed term length.
Politician Mark Esper assumed the role before Austin between July 2019 and November 2020.
The defense secretary role is associated with the executive branch of the US government and is considered second to the commander in chief in the chain of command.
Many responsibilities come with Austin's position.
When it comes to matters of the military, he is second in command to Biden.
The defense secretary is also responsible for coordinating the gathering of intelligence with the National Security Council.
What happened to Lloyd Austin?
On February 11, 2024, Secretary Austin was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's critical care unit.
That Sunday afternoon, it was revealed he was experiencing symptoms of an emergent bladder issue.
The hospital stated: "The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery. His cancer prognosis remains excellent."
He was released on February 13, 2024.
Just weeks before Secretary Austin's February hospitalization, he faced a previous medical episode.
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On January 1, 2024, he was admitted to the abovementioned hospital's intensive care unit for complications stemming from surgery to treat prostate cancer.
He was released two weeks later on January 15.