View source for Lloyd Austin

{{Short description|American general (born 1953)}}
 
{{For|other people with the same name|Lloyd Austin (disambiguation)}}
{{over-quotation|date=November 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Lloyd Austin
| image               = Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, official portrait, 2023.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 2023
| order               = 28th [[United States Secretary of Defense]]
| president           = [[Joe Biden]]
| deputy              = {{ubl |[[David Norquist]] |[[Kathleen Hicks]]}}
| term_start          = January 22, 2021
| term_end            = January 20, 2025
| predecessor         = [[Mark Esper]] 
| successor           = [[Pete Hegseth]]
| order2              = 12th Commander of [[United States Central Command]]
| president2          = [[Barack Obama]]
| term_start2         = March 22, 2013
| term_end2           = March 30, 2016
| predecessor2        = [[Jim Mattis]]
| successor2          = [[Joseph Votel]]
| order3              = 33rd [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Vice Chief of Staff of the Army]]
| president3          = Barack Obama
| term_start3         = February 8, 2012
| term_end3           = March 8, 2013
| predecessor3        = [[Peter W. Chiarelli]]
| successor3          = [[John F. Campbell (general)|John Campbell]]
| order4              = 40th [[Director of the Joint Staff]]
| president4          = Barack Obama
| term_start4         = August 9, 2009
| term_end4           = June 30, 2010
| predecessor4        = [[Stanley A. McChrystal]]
| successor4          = [[William E. Gortney]]
| birth_name          = Lloyd James Austin III
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1953|8|8}}
| birth_place         = [[Mobile, Alabama]], U.S.
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| spouse              = {{marriage|Charlene Banner|1980}}
| education           = {{ubl |[[United States Military Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]]) |[[Auburn University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]]) |[[Webster University]] ([[Master of Business Administration|MBA]])}}
| signature           = SignatureLloydAustin.png
| allegiance          = United States
| branch              = [[United States Army]]
| serviceyears        = 1975–2016
| rank                = [[General (United States)|General]]
| commands            = {{plainlist|
* [[United States Central Command]]
* [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Vice Chief of Staff of the Army]]
* [[United States Forces – Iraq]]
* [[Multi-National Corps – Iraq]]
* [[U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps|XVIII Airborne Corps]]
* [[10th Mountain Division (United States)|10th Mountain Division]]
* [[82nd Airborne Division|3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division]]
* [[505th Parachute Infantry Regiment|2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment]]}}
| battles             = {{ubl |[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] |[[Iraq War]] |[[Operation Inherent Resolve]]}}
| mawards             = ''[[#Awards and decorations|Full list]]''
|module      = {{Listen
|pos         = center
|embed       = yes
|filename    = Lloyd Austin speaks on Swedish and Finnish ascension to NATO.ogg
|title       = Austin's voice
|type        = speech
|description = Austin answers questions on [[Sweden–NATO relations|Sweden]] and [[Finland–NATO relations|Finland]]'s [[NATO]] accession<br/>Recorded February 15, 2023}}
}}
'''Lloyd James Austin III''' (born August 8, 1953) is a retired [[United States Army]] four-star [[General (United States)|general]] who served as the 28th [[United States Secretary of Defense|United States secretary of defense]] from 2021 to 2025.

Before retiring from the military in 2016, Austin served as the 12th commander of [[United States Central Command]] (CENTCOM), beginning in March 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lloyd J. Austin III |url=https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2522687/lloyd-j-austin-iii/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FAbout%2FBiographies%2FBiography%2FArticle%2F2522687%2Flloyd-j-austin-iii%2F |access-date=January 22, 2023 |website=www.defense.gov |language=en-US |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028004654/https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2522687/lloyd-j-austin-iii/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FAbout%2FBiographies%2FBiography%2FArticle%2F2522687%2Flloyd-j-austin-iii%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref> Prior to that he served as the 33rd [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army|vice chief of staff of the Army]] from January 2012 to March 2013, and as commander of [[United States Forces – Iraq]] from September 2010 to December 2011. He is the first African American to hold each of these positions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=MacAskill|first=Ewen|author-link=Ewen MacAskill |date=March 22, 2013|title=General Lloyd Austin picked for top job at US Central Command|language=en|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|url= http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/22/general-lloyd-austin-central-command|url-status=live|access-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209000052/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/22/general-lloyd-austin-central-command|archive-date=February 9, 2017}}</ref> After retiring from the armed services, Austin joined the boards of [[Raytheon Technologies]], [[Nucor]], [[Tenet Healthcare]], and [[Auburn University]].<ref name="nomination" /><ref name="Nobles">{{Cite web|last=Nobles|first=Miranda|title=Retired Army general, Auburn trustee to speak at This is Auburn Speaker Series event|url=http://ocm.auburn.edu/newsroom/news_articles/2017/10/retired-army-general,-auburn-trustee-to-speak-at-this-is-auburn-speaker-series-event.php|access-date=January 23, 2021|publisher=[[Auburn University]]|language=en|date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208003225/http://ocm.auburn.edu/newsroom/news_articles/2017/10/retired-army-general,-auburn-trustee-to-speak-at-this-is-auburn-speaker-series-event.php|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 7, 2020, he was nominated for defense secretary by then-[[President-elect of the United States|President-elect]] [[Joe Biden]] and was confirmed by the [[United States Senate]] on January 22, 2021, by a vote of 93–2.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00005 |title=On the Nomination (Confirmation: Lloyd James Austin, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Defense) |author=<!--not stated--> |date=January 22, 2021 |website=U.S. Senate |access-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129015415/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00005 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Austin holds the unique distinction of having commanded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan at the [[Brigadier general (United States)|one-]], [[Major general (United States)|two-]], [[Lieutenant general (United States)|three-]] and four-star levels, and was the first African American to command a [[Division (military)#United States|division]], [[Corps#United States|corps]], and [[field army]] in combat. He is a recipient of the [[Silver Star]], the nation's third highest award for valor, for his actions during the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Iraq invasion]], as well as five [[Defense Distinguished Service Medal]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hassler |first=Becky |date=2017-05-23 |title=2017 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients |url=https://www.westpointaog.org/news/2017-distinguished-graduate-award-recipients/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=West Point Association of Graduates |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001919/https://www.westpointaog.org/news/2017-distinguished-graduate-award-recipients/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Lloyd James Austin III was born on August 8, 1953, in [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref name="nomination">{{cite report|title=Nominations before the Senate Armed Services Committee, 2nd Session, 111th Congress|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-111shrg65070/pdf/CHRG-111shrg65070.pdf|year=2010|id=S Hrg 111-896|page=327|access-date=December 2, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926152044/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-111shrg65070/pdf/CHRG-111shrg65070.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> He was raised in [[Thomasville, Georgia]].<ref name="onyourlist">{{Cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|author-link=Helene Cooper|date=December 9, 2020|title='Is Austin on Your List?': Biden's Pentagon Pick Rose Despite Barriers to Diversity|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/us/politics/biden-lloyd-austin-defense-secretary.html|access-date=December 10, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210014536/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/us/politics/biden-lloyd-austin-defense-secretary.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1975, he graduated from the [[United States Military Academy]] at [[West Point, New York|West Point]] with a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/perfect-people-living-the-west-point-ideal|title='Perfect People': Living the West Point Ideal|publisher=West Point Center for Oral History|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027121902/https://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/perfect-people-living-the-west-point-ideal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="United States Department of Defense" /> While at the academy, Austin played rugby and ran track.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-08 |title=MISSION FIRST: The Warrior Leader |url=https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2015/9/8/ath_0908151047.aspx |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=Army West Point |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001919/https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2015/9/8/ath_0908151047.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He later earned a [[Master of Arts]] degree in [[counselor education]] from [[Auburn University|Auburn University's]] College of Education in 1986, and a Master of Business Administration in [[business management]] from [[Webster University]] in 1989. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|Army Command and General Staff College]], and the [[United States Army War College|Army War College]].<ref name="United States Department of Defense" />

== Military career ==
[[File:Colonel Lloyd Austin as a commander of the 3rd Brigade, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment at a Tactical Operations Center.jpg|left|thumb|Colonel Lloyd Austin in 1998]]In June 1975, Austin graduated from [[West Point]] and was commissioned in the Infantry as a [[Second Lieutenant#United States|second lieutenant]].<ref name="United States Department of Defense" /> He completed Airborne and Ranger schools prior to receiving his initial assignment in Germany with the [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized)]] as a rifle platoon leader and later as a scout platoon leader and company executive officer in 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III |url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secretary-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-dan-rice |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001918/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secretary-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-dan-rice |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following this assignment and attendance at the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he was assigned to the [[U.S. 82nd Airborne Division|82nd Airborne Division]] at [[Fort Bragg (North Carolina)|Fort Bragg]], North Carolina, where he commanded the Combat Support Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), [[508th Infantry Regiment (United States)|508th Infantry]] and served as the [[Staff (military)|Assistant S-3 (Operations)]] for 1st [[Brigade]].<ref name="United States Department of Defense">{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/About-DoD/Biographies/Biography-View/Article/602675/general-lloyd-j-austin-iii|title=General Lloyd J. Austin III|publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905061036/http://www.defense.gov/About-DoD/Biographies/Biography-View/Article/602675/general-lloyd-j-austin-iii|archive-date=September 5, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2020}} {{Include-USGov
|agency=United States Department of Defense}}</ref>
In 1981, Austin was assigned to [[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]], where he was the operations officer for the Army Indianapolis District Recruiting Command, and where he later commanded a company in the Army Recruiting Battalion. Upon conclusion of this assignment, he attended [[Auburn University]], where he completed studies for a [[master's degree|Master's]] in education. He then returned to West Point as a company tactical officer.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ibberson |first=Stuart |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Biden nominates retired general Lloyd Austin as defense secretary |url=https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2020/12/07/biden-expected-to-nominate-retired-general-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/ |magazine=Aerotech News and Review |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609122331/https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2020/12/07/biden-expected-to-nominate-retired-general-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After completion of the [[United States Army Command and General Staff College|Army Command and General Staff College]], [[Fort Leavenworth|Fort Leavenworth, Kansas]], he was assigned to the [[10th Mountain Division (United States)|10th Mountain Division]] ([[Light Infantry]]), [[Fort Drum|Fort Drum, New York]], where he served as the S-3 (Operations) and later [[executive officer]] for the [[22nd Infantry Regiment (United States)#2nd Battalion|2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry]]. He subsequently served as Executive Officer for [[1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (United States)|1st Brigade, 10th Mountain]], and later Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security for [[Fort Drum]].<ref name="United States Department of Defense" />

In 1993, Austin returned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he commanded the [[505th Infantry Regiment (United States)|2nd Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brooks|first=Drew|date=April 10, 2016|title=Gen. Lloyd Austin Ends 41-year Army Career|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/11/gen-lloyd-austin-ends-41-year-army-career.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209145111/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/11/gen-lloyd-austin-ends-41-year-army-career.html|archive-date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 11, 2020|website=[[The Fayetteville Observer]]|language=en|via=[[Military.com]]}}</ref> He later served as [[Staff (military)|G-3]] for the 82nd.

Following graduation from [[United States Army War College|Army War College]], [[Carlisle, Pennsylvania|Carlisle]], Pennsylvania, he returned to the [[82nd Airborne Division]] for a third tour of duty there to command 3rd Brigade.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" />[[File:Brigadier General Lloyd Austin converse with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.jpg|thumb|Austin in a meeting with [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Lieutenant General [[David Barno]], and [[United States Ambassador to Afghanistan|U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan]] [[Zalmay Khalilzad]] in [[Kandahar|Kandahar, Afghanistan]] in 2003|left]]Shortly after brigade command, he served as Chief, Joint Operations Division, J-3, on the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff|Joint Staff]] at [[the Pentagon]] in [[Arlington, Virginia]]. His next assignment, in 2001, was as Assistant Division Commander for Maneuver (ADC-M), [[3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized)]], [[Fort Stewart|Fort Stewart, Georgia]]. As the ADC-M, he helped lead the division's [[2003 invasion of Iraq|invasion of Iraq]] in March 2003.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" /> Leading the fight from the front, Austin traveled the 500 miles from [[Kuwait]] to [[Baghdad]] in his command and control vehicle. The division reached Baghdad and secured the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schogol |first=Jeff |date=2022-01-27 |title=We finally know the backstory of how Defense Secretary Austin got the Silver Star |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-silver-star-award/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Task & Purpose |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001918/https://taskandpurpose.com/news/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-silver-star-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Lloyd Austin">{{Cite web |title=Lloyd Austin |url=https://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/member/lloyd-austin/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=The American Academy of Diplomacy |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001920/https://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/member/lloyd-austin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Austin was awarded a [[Silver Star]], the nation's third highest award for valor, for his actions as commander during the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dickstein|first=Corey|date=December 8, 2020|title=Biden officially announces he's picked retired CENTCOM Gen. Lloyd Austin for defense secretary|work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us/biden-officially-announces-he-s-picked-retired-centcom-gen-lloyd-austin-for-defense-secretary-1.654522|url-status=live|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209151324/https://www.stripes.com/news/us/biden-officially-announces-he-s-picked-retired-centcom-gen-lloyd-austin-for-defense-secretary-1.654522}}</ref>

'''<big>Commanding General of 10th Mtn Division (Light) and CJTF-180 – Afghanistan</big>'''

Austin served from September 2003 until August 2005 as Commanding General of 10th Mountain Division, with duty as Commander, [[Combined Joint Task Force 180]], during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]. He was the first African American to serve as a U.S. Army division commander in combat.<ref name="Lloyd Austin"/> He subsequently served as Chief of Staff of [[United States Central Command|US Central Command]] at [[MacDill AFB, Florida|MacDill AFB]] in [[Tampa, Florida]], from September 2005 until October 2006.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" />

'''<big>Commanding General of Multi-National Corps – Iraq</big>'''
[[File:Meeting in East Baghdad DVIDS59092.jpg|thumb|Austin during the [[Iraq War]] on September 11, 2007]]
On December 8, 2006, Austin was promoted to [[Lieutenant General (United States)|lieutenant general]] and assumed command of [[XVIII Airborne Corps (United States)|XVIII Airborne Corps]], Fort Bragg, North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 28, 2006|title=Maj. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III to Command Fort Bragg 18th Airborne Corps|pages=36–37|work=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bDoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36|url-status=live|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211042346/https://books.google.com/books?id=bDoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36}}</ref> In February 2008, Austin became the second highest ranking commander in [[Iraq]], taking command of the [[Multi-National Corps – Iraq|Multi-National Corps{{snd}}Iraq]] (MNC-I). As commander of MNC-I, he directed the operations of approximately 152,000 joint and coalition forces across all sectors of Iraq.<ref name="Briefing">{{cite web|access-date=December 2, 2020|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4248|title=DoD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Austin III from Iraq|format=News Transcript|date=June 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121011921/http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4248|archive-date=January 21, 2009|url-status=dead|publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]] }} {{Include-USGov|agency=United States Department of Defense}}</ref> He was the first African American general officer to lead a corps-sized element in combat.<ref name="Lloyd Austin"/> Austin assumed the mission during the period when the Surge forces were drawing down. He expertly oversaw the responsible transition of forces out of the country while ensuring that progress continued on the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-12-20 |title=U.S. general brings Baghdad standard home |url=https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/world/meast/iraq-us-withdrawal/index.html |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001919/https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/world/meast/iraq-us-withdrawal/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Austin handed over command of XVIII Corps to become [[Director of the Joint Staff]] in August 2009.<ref name="United States Department of Defense" /> This promotion came at the direction of Admiral [[Michael Mullen]], then [[chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]]. Austin credited the appointment as having jumpstarted his later career, saying: "People who might not have known Lloyd Austin began to know him."<ref name="onyourlist" />

===Commanding General of US Forces – Iraq===
[[File:End of mission ceremony DVIDS500735.jpg|thumb|General Lloyd Austin, commander of United States Forces-Iraq with General [[Jim Mattis|James Mattis]] (left), commander of [[United States Central Command]], and [[Command sergeant major|CSM]] Joseph R. Allen (right), during the [[United States Forces – Iraq|United States Forces-Iraq]] end of mission ceremony on December 15, 2011. Both generals would later serve as [[United States Secretary of Defense|defense secretaries]].|left]]On September 1, 2010, at a ceremony at [[Al-Faw Palace]] in Baghdad, Austin was promoted to the rank of general, becoming the Army's 200th four-star general officer and the sixth African American in the U.S. Army to achieve the top rank.<ref name="Biden">{{Cite web |last=Biden |first=Joe |date=2020-12-08 |title=Why I Chose Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/12/secretary-defense/617330/ |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=The Atlantic |language=en |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608062805/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/12/secretary-defense/617330/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He subsequently assumed the role of Commanding General (CG) of [[United States Forces – Iraq]] (USF-I), becoming the first African American in history to command an entire theater of war.<ref name="Biden"/> He was preceded in the role by General [[Ray Odierno]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.army.mil/article/44757/austin_leads_usf_i_into_new_dawn|title=Austin leads USF-I into New Dawn|last=Dey|first=Roger M.|publisher=[[United States Army]]|access-date=May 18, 2016|date=September 4, 2010|archive-date=January 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126232248/https://www.army.mil/article/44757/austin_leads_usf_i_into_new_dawn|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|Trainor|2013|p=637}} As CG, USF-I, Austin was the senior military commander in charge of all US and remaining coalition forces in Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usf-iraq.com/usf-iraq-commanding-general/|title=USF-Iraq Commanding General|date=December 5, 2010|publisher=[[United States Forces – Iraq]]|access-date=December 2, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020144545/https://www.usf-iraq.com/usf-iraq-commanding-general/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Their mission was to advise, train, assist, and equip the [[Iraqi Armed Forces]] and the security agencies part of the [[Ministry of Interior (Iraq)|Ministry of the Interior]]. As commander, Austin requested an additional troop presence in Iraq from 14,000 to 18,000.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Robert|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YQnrSo2YyTEC&pg=PA106|title=Barack Obama's Post-American Foreign Policy: The Limits of Engagement|year=2012|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-78093-113-5|page=106|language=en|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208212744/https://books.google.com/books?id=YQnrSo2YyTEC&pg=PA106|url-status=live}}</ref>

Austin oversaw the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom and combat operations to [[Iraq War#2010: US drawdown and Operation New Dawn|Operation New Dawn]] and stability operations focused on advising, assisting, and training the ISF.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin%2002-14-13.pdf|title=Advance questions for General Lloyd J. Austin III|publisher=[[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services]]|access-date=December 2, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227081350/http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin%2002-14-13.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> He was extensively involved in the internal U.S. discussions and then negotiations with the Iraqi Government leading up to the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement.{{sfn|Gordon|Trainor|2013|pp=653–657}} Opposing total U.S. withdrawal, Austin preferred that the U.S. maintain about 10,000 troops in Iraq after 2011 and he approved staff planning for up to 20,000 remaining troops.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Joe Biden picks Lloyd Austin as defense secretary|url=https://www.dw.com/en/joe-biden-picks-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/a-55859695|access-date=December 9, 2020|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|language=en|quote=[Austin] subsequently oversaw the withdrawal of US troops in 2011, a decision which he disagreed with.|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209004115/https://www.dw.com/en/joe-biden-picks-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/a-55859695|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Gordon|Trainor|2013|pp=659–660, 662}}

In the absence of a new [[Status of forces agreement|Status of Forces Agreement]], President [[Barack Obama]] made the decision to retrograde all U.S. forces out of Iraq by the end of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-08 |title=MISSION FIRST: The Warrior Leader |url=https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2015/9/8/ath_0908151047.aspx |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Army West Point |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624001919/https://goarmywestpoint.com/news/2015/9/8/ath_0908151047.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Austin oversaw the entire operation, concurrently planning and executing the orderly drawdown and redeployment of approximately 50,000 service members. The U.S. command in Iraq formally cased its colors on December 15, 2011, at a reduced-sized [[Baghdad International Airport|BIAP]] complex, and Austin's speech there cited his division's seizure of the airport over eight years beforehand.{{sfn|Gordon|Trainor|2013|p=671}} Austin, along with other members of the USF-I staff, departed Iraq on December 18, 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Logan|first=Joseph|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-withdrawal-idUSTRE7BH03320111218|title=Last U.S. troops leave Iraq, ending war|date=December 18, 2011|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-date=May 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525214722/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-withdrawal-idUSTRE7BH03320111218|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Army Vice Chief of Staff===
In December 2011, Austin was nominated to become [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army]] (VCSA).<ref name="VCSA_nom">{{cite web|date=September 30, 2011|title=General Officer Announcements|url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14832|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026003443/http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14832|archive-date=October 26, 2012|access-date=December 18, 2011|publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]]|id=Release No 841-11}} {{Include-USGov|agency=United States Department of Defense}}</ref> He took office on January 31, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Dock-Abuhl|first1=Courtney|url=https://www.army.mil/article/72869/austin_sworn_in_as_vice_chief_of_staff|date=March 12, 2013|title=Austin sworn in as vice chief of staff|publisher=[[United States Army]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808121650/https://www.army.mil/article/72869/austin_sworn_in_as_vice_chief_of_staff|url-status=live}}</ref> As VCSA, he managed the day-to-day administration of the Army's budget and headquarters staff. Under his direction, the Army took steps to reduce the incidence of suicide in the ranks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/general-foresees-turnaround-in-army-suicide-rate/|title=General Foresees Turnaround in Army Suicide Rate |agency =Associated Press |date=March 7, 2013|work=[[CBS News]]|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028032255/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/general-foresees-turnaround-in-army-suicide-rate/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-army-vice-chief-of-staff-general-lloyd-austin|title=NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Army Vice Chief of Staff General Lloyd Austin, Reps. Mike Thompson, Gus Bilirakis Join Forces to Tackle Traumatic Brain Injury|date=September 12, 2012|publisher=[[Mike Thompson (California politician)|Mike Thompson]]|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611090456/https://mikethompson.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-army-vice-chief-of-staff-general-lloyd-austin|url-status=live}}</ref> He also spearheaded the Army's efforts to increase awareness and improve treatment options for the "invisible wounds" of war, namely traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ibberson |first1=Stuart |date=2020-12-07 |title=Biden nominates retired general Lloyd Austin as defense secretary |url=https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2020/12/07/biden-expected-to-nominate-retired-general-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=Aerotech News & Review |language=en-US |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609122331/https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2020/12/07/biden-expected-to-nominate-retired-general-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===United States Central Command===
[[File:POTUS visits Macdill AFB 140917-F-ML202-009.jpg|thumb|General Lloyd Austin with President [[Barack Obama]] at [[MacDill Air Force Base]], September 17, 2014|left]]Austin became the commander of CENTCOM on March 22, 2013, after being nominated by President Obama in late 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blackengineer.com/artman2/publish/Military_70/General-Lloyd-J-Austin-III-Retires_printer.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604223532/http://blackengineer.com/artman2/publish/Military_70/General-Lloyd-J-Austin-III-Retires_printer.shtml|archive-date=June 4, 2016|date=April 11, 2016|title=General Lloyd J. Austin III Retires|website=Black Engineer.com|access-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name="CentComNom">{{cite web|title=Secretary Panetta Statement on Intent to Nominate CENTCOM Commander|url=https://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15719|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415112849/http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15719|archive-date=April 15, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2013|publisher=[[United States Department of Defense]]|id=No 951-12}} {{Include-USGov|agency=United States Department of Defense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=January 2, 2018|title=Looking back for the way ahead: An interview with Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin|language=en|publisher=[[Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army|Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff]]|url=https://www.army.mil/article/198441/looking_back_for_the_way_ahead_an_interview_with_retired_gen_lloyd_austin|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208061703/https://www.army.mil/article/198441/looking_back_for_the_way_ahead_an_interview_with_retired_gen_lloyd_austin|archive-date=December 8, 2020}}</ref> Austin was preceded as [[United States Central Command|CENTCOM commander]] by General [[Jim Mattis|James Mattis]], whom Austin would later succeed as secretary of defense. In his capacity as CENTCOM Commander, General Austin oversaw all U.S. troops deployed and major U.S. military operations around the area of Middle-East and Central and South Asia. The area consisted of 20 countries including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Egypt and Lebanon.<ref name="U.S. Central Command">{{Cite web|title=Austin leaves legacy of leading from the front|url=https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/885335/austin-leaves-legacy-of-leading-from-the-front/|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=U.S. Central Command|language=en-US|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305162743/https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/News-Article-View/Article/885335/austin-leaves-legacy-of-leading-from-the-front/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Austin directed the activities of four service component commands, one subordinate unified command (U.S. Forces-Afghanistan/[[Resolute Support Mission]]), two major subordinate multi-service commands, and several temporary task forces actively engaged in military operations. Austin oversaw more than 150,000 American and Coalition forces involved in operations throughout the region.

During his tenure, Austin routinely advised the president, the secretary of defense, and other national-level leadership on challenges afflicting the CENTCOM region, and directed U.S. and allied military response to multiple crises and operations. These included the explosive crisis and transition of power in Egypt (2013–14); the resurgence of [[Al-Qaeda|Al Qaeda's]] affiliate in the [[Arabian Peninsula]]; the [[Houthi movement|Huthi]]-led insurgency against the Hadi government and the civil war in Yemen; continued support for the operations in Afghanistan against Al Qaeda and other extremist groups; malign activity by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Forces; and the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)).<ref>{{Cite web |title=United States Central Command, United States Africa Command and United States Special Operations Command |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-114shrg25682/html/CHRG-114shrg25682.htm |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=www.govinfo.gov |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801232940/http://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-114shrg25682/html/CHRG-114shrg25682.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Lt. Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. with Gen. Lloyd Austin during Air Forces Central Command change of command ceremony.jpg|thumb|General Lloyd Austin with Lieutenant General [[Charles Q. Brown Jr.]] during the [[Ninth Air Force|Air Forces Central Command]] change of command ceremony at [[Shaw Air Force Base]], June 29, 2015]]

[[File:General Lloyd James Austin III, 2016.jpg|left|thumb|General Austin in 2016]]

As commander, after [[ISIL]] seized control of [[Mosul]] in June 2014, Austin oversaw the development and execution of the coalition military campaign plan to counter ISIL in Iraq and Syria, named [[Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve|Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve]] (CJTF-OIR).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin_09-16-15.pdf|title=Statement of General Lloyd J. Austin III|last=Austin|first=Lloyd J.|date=September 16, 2015|publisher=[[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services]]|access-date=December 2, 2020|archive-date=February 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225213245/http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin_09-16-15.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/features/2014/0814_iraq/docs/March_2016_Airpower_Summary.pdf|title=Combined Forces Air Component Commander Airpower Statistics (as of 31 March 2016)|access-date=December 2, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819155336/http://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/features/2014/0814_iraq/docs/March_2016_Airpower_Summary.pdf|archive-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref> At its peak, ISIL (also referred to as Daesh) controlled nearly 110,000 square kilometers of territory, including major cities in both Iraq and Syria, and attracted more than 40,000 foreign terrorist fighters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After the Caliphate: U.S. Strategy on ISIS |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/after-the-caliphate-us-strategy-isis |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |date=November 15, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> As of October 2014, Austin argued that the U.S. military's primary focus in operations against ISIL should be Iraq.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Ackerman|first1=Spencer|author-link=Spencer Ackerman|date=October 17, 2014|title=US stresses Iraq emphasis even as air strikes escalate against Isis in Syria|language=en-GB|work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/17/us-lloyd-austin-iraq-emphasis-airstrikes-isis-syria-kobani|access-date=December 8, 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111231651/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/17/us-lloyd-austin-iraq-emphasis-airstrikes-isis-syria-kobani|url-status=live}}</ref> The military campaign to counter ISIL consisted of multiple elements occurring simultaneously or near-simultaneously, including: 1) employing a coalition effort in Iraq to halt the advance of ISIL and to enable the Iraqis to regain their territory and reestablish control over their borders; 2) containing ISIL, in part by ensuring coalition partners have the capacity to secure their sovereign borders; 3) enabling the moderate Syrian opposition forces through a coalition-led train and equip program; and 4) eliminating ungoverned spaces out of which ISIL and other terrorist groups were able to operate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senate Armed Services Committee |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin_03-26-15.pdf}}</ref>

In its first year, CJTF-OIR conducted over 8,000 airstrikes against ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria. Between 2014 and 2017, ISIL lost 95 percent of the territory they once controlled. By July 2017, Mosul was once again under the control of the Iraqi government, and by December 2017, ISIL had lost all control of territory in Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web |first= Ian |last=McCary|title=The Islamic State Five Years Later: Persistent Threats, U.S. Options |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/islamic-state-five-years-later-persistent-threats-us-options |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=The Washington Institute |language=en|date=March 21, 2024}}</ref>

On April 15, 2024, Secretary Austin marked 10 years of the global coalition to defeat ISIL, while welcoming Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to the Pentagon. "In 2019, thanks to the courage and sacrifices of the Iraqi security forces and our partners in Operation Inherent Resolve, together, we achieved the territorial defeat of Daesh [another name for ISIL]. But Daesh remains a threat to your citizens and to ours," Austin said.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Notes Success of Territorial Defeat of ISIS in Iraq |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3741943/austin-notes-success-of-territorial-defeat-of-isis-in-iraq/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3741943/austin-notes-success-of-territorial-defeat-of-isis-in-iraq/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Austin's retirement ceremony took place at [[Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall]] on April 5, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/165675/A_Soldier_s_Soldier/|title=A Soldier's Soldier|last=Callahan|first=Guv|date=April 8, 2016|publisher=[[United States Army]]|access-date=May 19, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507122956/https://www.army.mil/article/165675/A_Soldier_s_Soldier/|url-status=live}}</ref> During his departure and retirement ceremony, General Austin said that he was extremely proud of the achievements of the troops under his command. He said "I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to lead troops in combat, I have seen our young leaders do amazing things in really tough and dangerous situations."<ref name="U.S. Central Command" />

==Private sector==
Immediately after retiring as CENTCOM Commander, Austin joined the board of [[Raytheon Technologies]], a military contractor, in April 2016.<ref name="contractorquestions">{{Cite news|last1=Lipton|first1=Eric|last2=Vogel|first2=Kenneth P.|last3=LaForgia|first3=Michael|date=December 9, 2020|title=Biden's Choice for Pentagon Faces Questions on Ties to Contractors|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/lloyd-austin-pentagon-military-contractors.html|access-date=December 11, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210123857/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/lloyd-austin-pentagon-military-contractors.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lloyd J Austin III|url=https://www.rtx.com/Our-Company/corporate-governance/Lloyd-J-Austin-III|access-date=November 28, 2020|publisher=[[Raytheon Technologies]]|language=en|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129013216/https://www.rtx.com/Our-Company/corporate-governance/lloyd-j-austin-iii|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2020|October}}, his Raytheon stock holdings were worth roughly $500,000 and his compensation, including stock, totaled $2.7{{spaces}}million.<ref name="contractorquestions"/> On September 18, 2017, he was appointed to [[Nucor]]'s board of directors.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Nucor Announces the Addition of General Lloyd J. Austin III to the Nucor Board of Directors|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nucor-announces-the-addition-of-general-lloyd-j-austin-iii-to-the-nucor-board-of-directors-300519938.html|access-date=December 2, 2020|publisher=[[PR Newswire]]|language=en|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914224447/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nucor-announces-the-addition-of-general-lloyd-j-austin-iii-to-the-nucor-board-of-directors-300519938.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 29, 2018, Austin was appointed as an independent director on the board of [[Tenet Healthcare]].<ref>{{cite press release|date=May 29, 2018|title=Tenet Board Appoints Two Independent Directors|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180529005407/en/Tenet-Board-Appoints-Independent-Directors|access-date=May 29, 2018|archive-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530035625/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180529005407/en/Tenet-Board-Appoints-Independent-Directors|url-status=live}}</ref> He also operates a consulting firm and has been a partner at Pine Island Capital, an investment company with which [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] [[Antony Blinken]] and [[Michèle Flournoy]] are affiliated.<ref name="politico20201207">{{cite news |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |last2=Pager |first2=Tyler |last3=O'Brien |first3=Connor |last4=Bertrand |first4=Natasha |title=Biden picks retired general Lloyd Austin to run Pentagon |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/07/lloyd-austin-biden-secretary-defense-frontrunner-contender-443479 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |work=[[Politico]] |date=December 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208001749/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/07/lloyd-austin-biden-secretary-defense-frontrunner-contender-443479 |archive-date=December 8, 2020}}</ref><ref name="contractorquestions"/>

==Secretary of Defense (2021–2025)==
[[File:210122-D-BN624-0122 (50863215143).jpg|thumb|Austin being sworn in as [[United States Secretary of Defense|secretary of defense]] at [[the Pentagon]] on January 22, 2021|left]]

===Nomination and confirmation===
On December 7, 2020, it was reported that President-elect [[Joe Biden]] would nominate Austin as secretary of defense.<ref name="politico20201207" /><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|last2=Martin|first2=Jonathan|last3=Schmitt|first3=Eric|date=December 8, 2020|title=Biden Plans to Tap Lloyd Austin, Former Iraq Commander, as Defense Secretary|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/lloyd-austin-biden-defense-secretary.html|access-date=December 8, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208011936/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/lloyd-austin-biden-defense-secretary.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Biden became acquainted with Austin while Austin was CENTCOM commander in the Obama administration, and reportedly grew to trust Austin after receiving his briefings.<ref name="npr20201207">{{Cite news|last1=Ordoñez|first1=Franco|last2=Johnson|first2=Carrie|last3=Wise|first3=Alana|date=December 7, 2020|title=Biden Expected To Nominate Gen. Lloyd Austin As Defense Secretary|language=en|website=[[NPR]]|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/biden-transition-updates/2020/12/07/944049746/biden-expected-to-nominate-gen-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary|url-status=live|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208162309/https://www.npr.org/sections/biden-transition-updates/2020/12/07/944049746/biden-expected-to-nominate-gen-lloyd-austin-as-defense-secretary|archive-date=December 8, 2020}}</ref> Like former defense secretary [[Jim Mattis|James Mattis]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|date=December 1, 2016|title=Trump picks retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for secretary of defense|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-chosen-retired-marine-gen-james-mattis-for-secretary-of-defense/2016/12/01/6c6b3b74-aff9-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html|access-date=December 8, 2020|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214008/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-has-chosen-retired-marine-gen-james-mattis-for-secretary-of-defense/2016/12/01/6c6b3b74-aff9-11e6-be1c-8cec35b1ad25_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Austin required a congressional waiver of the [[National Security Act of 1947]] to bypass the seven-year waiting period after leaving active-duty military, as prescribed by {{United States Code|10|113}} (a), in order to be appointed as secretary of defense.<ref name="npr20201207" /> Austin's nomination, and the attendant requirement for a waiver, met with some concern in Congress regarding its implications for [[civil–military relations]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Steinhauer|first1=Jennifer|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|last3=Broadwater|first3=Luke|date=December 8, 2020|title=Biden's Pentagon Pick Reignites Debate Over Civilian Control of Military|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/biden-austin-defense-secretary.html|access-date=December 9, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209004250/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/us/politics/biden-austin-defense-secretary.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Desiderio|first1=Andrew|last2=O'Brien|first2=Connor|date=December 8, 2020|title=Democrats signal early opposition to Biden's Defense pick|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/08/democrats-opposition-biden-defense-pick-443689|access-date=December 9, 2020|work=[[Politico]]|language=en|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209164017/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/08/democrats-opposition-biden-defense-pick-443689|url-status=live}}</ref> Former secretary of defense [[Robert Gates]] and former secretary of state [[Colin Powell]], among others, issued statements supporting Austin's nomination.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Crowley|first1=Michael|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|date=December 10, 2020|title=Biden Asks Congress to Grant Waiver for 'Cool Under Fire' Defense Pick|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/us/politics/biden-lloyd-austin-pentagon-waiver.html|access-date=December 10, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210033739/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/09/us/politics/biden-lloyd-austin-pentagon-waiver.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Senate Armed Services Committee]] held a confirmation hearing for Austin on January 19, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Connor|date=January 21, 2021|title=Senate clears Austin waiver, setting up confirmation vote to be Biden's Pentagon chief|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/21/austin-waiver-approved-senate-461082|access-date=January 21, 2021|work=[[Politico]]|language=en|archive-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123050218/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/21/austin-waiver-approved-senate-461082|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 21, Congress granted Austin a waiver of the seven-year requirement by a 326–78 vote in the House and a 69–27 vote in the Senate.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Youssef|first=Nancy A.|date=January 21, 2021|title=Lloyd Austin Receives Waiver Allowing Him to Become Defense Chief|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/lawmakers-approve-waiver-allowing-lloyd-austin-to-become-defense-chief-11611269413|access-date=January 21, 2021|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122172905/https://www.wsj.com/articles/lawmakers-approve-waiver-allowing-lloyd-austin-to-become-defense-chief-11611269413|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=H.R.335 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): To provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as Secretary of Defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces. |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/335 |website=www.congress.gov |date=January 22, 2021 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406134322/http://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/335 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was confirmed by the Senate in a 93–2 vote on January 22, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Lloyd Austin Confirmed As Secretary of Defense, Becomes First Black Pentagon Chief|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/president-biden-takes-office/2021/01/22/959581977/lloyd-austin-confirmed-as-secretary-of-defense-becomes-first-black-pentagon-chie|access-date=January 22, 2021|newspaper=NPR|date=January 22, 2021|language=en|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122172906/https://www.npr.org/sections/president-biden-takes-office/2021/01/22/959581977/lloyd-austin-confirmed-as-secretary-of-defense-becomes-first-black-pentagon-chie|url-status=live|last1=Booker|first1=Brakkton}}</ref> Republican senators [[Josh Hawley]] and [[Mike Lee]] were the only "no" votes. Upon his confirmation and swearing-in later that day, Austin became the first African American Secretary of Defense.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Edmondson|first=Catie|date=January 22, 2021|title=Lloyd Austin is confirmed, becoming the first Black defense secretary in U.S. history.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/us/lloyd-austin-confirmed.html|access-date=January 22, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122171921/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/us/lloyd-austin-confirmed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Austin took office on January 22, 2021, after being sworn in by a Defense Department official, and was later sworn in ceremonially by Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] on January 25, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Everstine|first=Brian W.|date=January 25, 2021|title=Austin Ceremonially Sworn in at the White House|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/austin-ceremonially-sworn-in-at-the-white-house/|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126113658/https://www.airforcemag.com/austin-ceremonially-sworn-in-at-the-white-house/|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:210210-D-BN624-0098 (50935117148).jpg|thumb|[[United States Secretary of Defense|U.S. secretary of defense]] Lloyd Austin with [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] [[Joe Biden]] at [[the Pentagon]] on February 10, 2021]]

=== Tenure ===
Upon assuming the office, Austin announced his top three priorities for the Defense Department in a memorandum issued to all DoD employees. It stated in part: <blockquote>As the Secretary of Defense, I am committed to ensuring that the Department develops the right people, priorities, and purpose of mission to continue to defend our Nation from enemies foreign and domestic. This will require aligning our priorities and capabilities to a changing and dynamic threat landscape. We will do so in a way that is based on a sober assessment of our strategic needs and recognize the importance of building and sustaining a strong workforce and unity within our Department, across the Nation and with our allies and partners around the world. Three priorities - defending the Nation, taking care of our people, and succeeding through teamwork - will guide our efforts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://media.defense.gov/2021/Mar/04/2002593656/-1/-1/0/SECRETARY-LLOYD-J-AUSTIN-III-MESSAGE-TO-THE-FORCE.PDF|title=Memorandum for All Department of Defense Employees|access-date=August 10, 2023|archive-date=August 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230159/https://media.defense.gov/2021/Mar/04/2002593656/-1/-1/0/SECRETARY-LLOYD-J-AUSTIN-III-MESSAGE-TO-THE-FORCE.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>

On March 28, 2023, Austin testified before the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]] on DoD's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2024 and the Future Years Defense Program. In his opening statement he reiterated the objectives of the 2022 [[National Defense Strategy (United States)|National Defense Strategy]] (NDS):
[[File:211120-D-TT977-0403 (51692773923).jpg|thumb|Austin with Indonesian defense minister [[Prabowo Subianto]] in Manama, [[Bahrain]] on November 20, 2021]]
{{Blockquote|quote=The NDS directs the Department to act urgently to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence, with the [People's Republic of China] as our pacing challenge. The NDS also directs the Department to tackle the acute threat of Russia, as well as the persistent threats from Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and global terrorist groups. The NDS clearly articulates our priorities: defend the homeland from the growing, multi-domain challenge posed by the PRC; deter strategic attacks against the United States, our Allies, and our Partners; deter aggression, while preparing to prevail in conflict if necessary, by prioritizing the PRC challenge in the Indo-Pacific, followed by the Russian challenge in Europe; and build a resilient Joint Force and defense ecosystem.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introduction |date=March 28, 2023 |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-receive-testimony-on-the-department-of-defense-budget-request-for-fiscal-year-2024-and-the-future-years-defense-program |access-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810235905/https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/to-receive-testimony-on-the-department-of-defense-budget-request-for-fiscal-year-2024-and-the-future-years-defense-program |url-status=live }}</ref>}}[[File:210210-D-BN624-0795 (50933994263) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Austin speaks to Department of Defense personnel in February 2021.|left]]
Part of Austin's primary agenda as secretary of defense was the DoD's plan to confront the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] within the department. Austin's first step was to urge service members to get vaccinated, especially after the revelation that almost one-third of active-duty service members had turned down the opportunity to get administered the vaccine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |author-link=Oren Liebermann |date=February 25, 2021 |title=Pentagon chief urges service members to get vaccinated after it was revealed one-third are opting out |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/pentagon-chief-urges-service-members-to-get-vaccinated-after-it-was-revealed-one-third-are-opting-out-1.5323605 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |work=[[CTV News]] |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110063758/https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/pentagon-chief-urges-service-members-to-get-vaccinated-after-it-was-revealed-one-third-are-opting-out-1.5323605 |url-status=live }}</ref> In order to tout the safety of the coronavirus vaccine, Austin took the vaccine himself and also emphasized that taking the coronavirus vaccine will prevent disease among the troops, particularly those who were deployed overseas.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olson |first=Wyatt |date=February 25, 2021 |title=Austin touts safety of coronavirus vaccine: 'I've taken it myself' |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/austin-touts-safety-of-coronavirus-vaccine-i-ve-taken-it-myself-1.663487 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811100628/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/austin-touts-safety-of-coronavirus-vaccine-i-ve-taken-it-myself-1.663487 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Failure to disclose hospitalization ===
On January 1, 2024, Austin was hospitalized at [[Walter Reed National Military Medical Center]] due to complications following a minimally invasive surgical procedure conducted on December 22, 2023, to address his [[prostate cancer]] (prostatectomy).<ref name="wapo10jan">{{cite news |last1=Nirappil |first1=Fenit |last2=Sun |first2=Lena H. |title=How Lloyd Austin's prostate cancer surgery led to hospitalization |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/09/lloyd-austin-prostate-cancer-hospitalization/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=10 January 2024}}</ref> On January 2, Austin began experiencing fever and chills and shallow breathing. The medical staff decided to transfer him to the critical-care unit for closer monitoring and better team care by his doctors.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-7">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Press Conference |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3663627/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-press-conference/https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3663627/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-press-conference/ |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Austin spent several days in Walter Reed's [[intensive care unit]] (ICU) and during that time delegated authority to the deputy secretary of defense [[Kathleen Hicks]]. On January 5, he resumed his functions and duties as secretary of defense from the hospital.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-7" /> The cancer was treated early, and Austin's doctors have stated that his prognosis is "excellent".<ref name="BBCcancer">{{Cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Kayla |last2=Debusmann |first2=Bernd Jr. |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Lloyd Austin: Pentagon reveals US defence secretary had prostate cancer surgery |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67929818 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109220239/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67929818 |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=[[BBC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Garrison |first1=Joey |last2=Vanden Brook |first2=Tom |author-link2=Tom Vanden Brook |last3=Collins |first3=Michael |date=January 10, 2024 |title=Lloyd Austin kept his diagnosis from the commander-in-chief. Biden has to answer this question |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/01/10/lloyd-austin-cancer-problem-biden-cabinet/72166537007/ |work=[[USA Today]] |language=en |issn=0734-7456}}</ref>

The Department of Defense did not disclose the hospitalization to the President, senior Defense Department officials, senior White House national security staff, members of the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]], media outlets, or the public for several days.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ward |first1=Alexander |last2=Seligman |first2=Lara |last3=Lemire |first3=Jonathan |author-link3=Jonathan Lemire |date=January 6, 2024 |title=Pentagon didn't inform Biden, White House for days about Austin's hospitalization |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/06/pentagon-took-3-days-to-inform-white-houses-nsc-of-austins-hospitalization-00134176 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108185244/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/06/pentagon-took-3-days-to-inform-white-houses-nsc-of-austins-hospitalization-00134176 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=[[Politico]] |language=en}}</ref> This failure to disclose contravened established practices of disclosing the medical issues of Cabinet members and senior U.S. officials.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |last2=Mohammed |first2=Arshad |date=January 6, 2024 |title=Pentagon keeps Austin's hospitalization under wraps for days |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagons-austin-hospitalized-after-medical-procedure-is-recovering-well-2024-01-05/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=[[Reuters]] |language=en}}</ref> President Biden and high-ranking White House officials only learned of Austin's hospitalization three days after it happened, when [[National Security Advisor]] [[Jake Sullivan]] was informed just before he attended an event at [[Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall]] where Austin was also scheduled to appear. Sullivan subsequently relayed the information to his colleagues and to Biden.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Daniels |first1=Eugene |last2=Ward |first2=Alexander |last3=Cancryn |first3=Adam |last4=Stein |first4=Sam |date=January 10, 2024 |title='This can't happen again': How the White House reacted to Austin's stunning news |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/10/white-house-response-lloyd-austin-00134877 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=[[Politico]] |language=en}}</ref> During Austin's hospitalization, Hicks performed the duties of secretary of defense.

The Pentagon Press Association, which represents members of the media covering the Defense Department, criticized Austin's multiday disappearance and the ensuing lack of transparency.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baldor |first=Lolita C. |date=January 6, 2024 |title=Senior Biden leaders and Pentagon officials unaware for days that defense secretary was hospitalized |url=https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalized-secrecy-disclosure-6ff0ee7eddfde1231453f96774788642 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107201800/https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalized-secrecy-disclosure-6ff0ee7eddfde1231453f96774788642 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=[[The Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Some Democratic and Republican members of Congress have called on Austin to [[Resignation|resign]] due to the failure to disclose his absence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Zoë |date=January 10, 2024 |title=Rep. Chris Deluzio becomes first Democrat to call for Defense Secretary Austin to resign |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/chris-deluzio-first-democrat-call-lloyd-austin-resign-rcna133340 |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=[[NBC News]] |language=en}}</ref> While stopped at a coffee shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a journalist asked Biden, "Do you have confidence in Secretary Austin?" the president responded, "I do." When the journalist asked, "Was it a lapse in judgment for him not to tell you earlier?" Biden said, "Yes."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=Biden says he has confidence in Austin amid scrutiny over defense secretary's hospitalization |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-says-confidence-austin-scrutiny-defense-secretarys-hospitalizati-rcna133758 |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>

During a press conference at the Pentagon on February 1, Austin addressed his hospitalization, stating:

{{Blockquote|quote=I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right, and I did not handle this right. I should have told the President about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. And I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.

Now, I want to make it very clear that there were no gaps in authorities and no risks to the Department's command and control. At every moment, either I or the Deputy Secretary was in full charge. And we've already put in place some new procedures to make sure that any lapses in notification don't happen.

In the future, if the Deputy Secretary needs to temporarily assume the office -- the duties of my office, she and several White House offices will be immediately notified, including the White House Situation Room, and so will key officials across the Department. And the reason for that assumption of duties will be included in writing.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-7"/>}}

In response to the incident, the White House and the Department of Defense ordered reviews of all notification procedures.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Baker (journalist) |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Surprised by New Details About Austin's Health, White House Orders Review |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/09/us/politics/white-house-defense-austin-hospitalization.html |access-date=January 14, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}</ref> An internal 30-day review of the transfer of authority during Austin's hospitalization conducted by the Defense Department's administration and management director in January 2024 found that while processes could be improved, "nothing examined during this review demonstrated any indication of ill intent or an attempt to obfuscate."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Eleanor |date=2024-02-26 |title=Pentagon review of Lloyd Austin's hospitalization finds no "ill intent" in not disclosing but says processes could be improved|work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pentagon-review-lloyd-austin-hospitalization/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |language=en-US}}</ref>

On February 29, 2024, Austin testified before the [[House Armed Services Committee]] regarding his hospitalization. He took full responsibility, stating: "I did not handle it right. But let me be clear: I never intended to keep my hospitalization from the White House… or from anybody else." Austin also confirmed that at no time was the department absent leadership nor was the U.S. or its interests around the world at risk at any point. He told the Members: "There was never a break in command and control. We transferred authority in a timely fashion. What we didn't do well was the notification of senior leaders."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Eleanor |date=2024-02-29 |title=Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testifies before Congress about his hospitalization: "I did not handle it right"|work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-testifies-congress-hospitalization/ |access-date=2024-03-10  |language=en-US}}</ref>

A January 2025 report from the DoD Office of the Inspector General found that risks to national security were "increased unnecessarily" during Austin's hospitalization. The report did not identify any adverse impacts on operational command and control resulting from Austin's hospitalization, but emphasized the potential for adverse effects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Eleanor |date=January 15, 2024|title=Pentagon watchdog finds Lloyd Austin's hospitalization "unnecessarily" increased risks to national security|work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lloyd-austin-hospitalization-pentagon-watchdog-report/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2024|title=Pentagon investigation raises new concerns about Austin's 2024 hospitalization|work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagon-investigation-raises-new-concerns-about-austins-2024-hospitalization-2025-01-15/}}</ref>

[[File:United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin meets with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, Qatar, December 19, 2023.jpg|thumb|Austin meets with Qatari prime minister [[Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani|Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani]] in Doha, Qatar, December 19, 2023.]]

=== Middle East ===
{{Further|Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen}}
Throughout his tenure, Austin  engaged with civil and military leaders in the Middle East, reinforcing the United States' commitment to partnerships and security in the region. Areas for collaboration between the U.S. and allies include integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, intelligence sharing and early warning systems.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-4">{{Cite web |title=Defense Official Says U.S. Remains Committed to Middle East |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3417495/defense-official-says-us-remains-committed-to-middle-east/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FNews-Stories%2FArticle%2FArticle%2F3417495%2Fdefense-official-says-us-remains-committed-to-middle-east%2F |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810231936/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3417495/defense-official-says-us-remains-committed-to-middle-east/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FNews-Stories%2FArticle%2FArticle%2F3417495%2Fdefense-official-says-us-remains-committed-to-middle-east%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of August 13, 2024, there were more than 40,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. [[Patrick S. Ryder|Pat Ryder]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Seeks to Deter Regional War in Middle East |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3871631/us-seeks-to-deter-regional-war-in-middle-east/#:~:text=Today,%20there%20are%20approximately%2040,000,the%20Centcom%20region,%20Ryder%20said.&text=The%20destroyer%20USS%20Spruance%20sails,at-sea%20in%20the%20Pacific. |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

At the [[AIPAC|AIPAC Political Leadership Forum]] in January 2023, Austin stated: "Our network of alliances and partnerships is one of America's core strategic strengths. And no other country on Earth has anything like it. And that's especially important in today's Middle East."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-5">{{Cite web |title=Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the AIPAC Political Leadership Foru |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3264271/remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-aipac-political-leade/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FSpeeches%2FSpeech%2FArticle%2F3264271%2Fremarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-aipac-political-leade%2F |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810232234/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3264271/remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-aipac-political-leade/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FSpeeches%2FSpeech%2FArticle%2F3264271%2Fremarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-aipac-political-leade%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Cairo, Egypt, to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the bilateral relationship and to exchange views on shared regional and global security challenges, March 8, 2023 - 230308-D-PM193-1383 03.jpg|thumb|Austin with Egyptian president [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, March 8, 2023]]
During a speech delivered at the Manama Dialogue in [[Bahrain]] in November 2021, Austin said: "We do crucial work together with our friends in this [Middle East] region—to deter aggression from any quarter, to disrupt terrorist networks, and to maintain freedom of navigation in some of the world's most important waterways. And over the decades, we have worked side-by-side as you invested in the capabilities to defend yourselves. We've supported you along the way, and we're going to keep doing so. Our forces train together, plan together, and work together—and that makes us stronger together."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Middle East Security at the Manama |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/2849921/remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-middle-east-security-at-t/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FSpeeches%2FSpeech%2FArticle%2F2849921%2Fremarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-middle-east-security-at-t%2F |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230200/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/2849921/remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-middle-east-security-at-t/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FSpeeches%2FSpeech%2FArticle%2F2849921%2Fremarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-middle-east-security-at-t%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

[[File:Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stands with Turkiye Defense Minister Yasar Guler at NATO headquarters, Brussels, Belgium, June 16, 2023 - 230616-D-XI929-1007.jpg|thumb|Austin with Turkish defense minister [[Yaşar Güler]] at NATO headquarters in Brussels, June 16, 2023]]
=== Iran ===
During a visit to Israel in March 2023, in a joint press conference with Israeli defense minister [[Yoav Gallant]], Austin said: "Iran remains the primary driver of instability in the region and we remain deeply concerned by Iran's support for terrorism, its dangerous proxies, its nuclear advances, its aggression at sea, its cyber threats, and its proliferation of attack drones and advanced conventional weapons."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds a Joint Press Conference With Israeli Defen |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3324148/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-holds-a-joint-press-conference-with-isr/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FTranscripts%2FTranscript%2FArticle%2F3324148%2Fsecretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-holds-a-joint-press-conference-with-isr%2F |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718212449/https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3324148/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-holds-a-joint-press-conference-with-isr/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FTranscripts%2FTranscript%2FArticle%2F3324148%2Fsecretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-holds-a-joint-press-conference-with-isr%2F |url-status=dead }}</ref>

At the [[AIPAC]] Political Leadership Forum on January 10, 2023, Austin stated: 

"Going back to my days at CENTCOM, I have consistently said that the greatest threat to Israeli security, and to the region, is the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran. We fully understand the dangers of the Iranian government's destabilizing actions—including its support for terrorism, its dangerous proxies, and its threats to wipe Israel off the map. But Iran is also stoking instability across the region—including its support for terrorists and militias, its proliferation of drones, its menacing cyber activities, its maritime aggression, and its continued threats against foreign officials. So Iran's reckless actions don't just threaten Israel. They endanger the entire Middle East and beyond, including by supporting Russia's cruel targeting of civilians in Ukraine. And increasingly, U.S. partners understand the importance of a regional approach to this kind of shared danger. So we're working closely with Israel, our partners in the Middle East, and our allies and partners to impose coordinated pressure on the Iranian regime."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-5" /> 

On February 19, 2021, Austin spoke to Saudi crown prince [[Mohammed bin Salman]], saying that "We discussed the continued commitment to the 70-year [[Saudi Arabia–United States relations|US-Saudi security partnership]], and I'm looking forward to working together to achieve regional security and stability." Austin expressed support for [[Saudi Arabia]] in the [[Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict]].<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. defense secretary calls Saudi crown prince, reaffirms strategic ties |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-saudi-int-idUSKBN2AJ0TU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219092104/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-saudi-int-idUSKBN2AJ0TU |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 19, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=February 19, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:210706-D-XI929-1010 (51294433446).jpg|thumb|left|U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin hosts Saudi prince [[Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud|Khalid bin Salman]] at the Pentagon, July 6, 2021.]]
On February 25, 2021, under Biden's direction, Austin [[February 2021 United States airstrike in Syria|coordinated military defensive airstrikes]] against an [[Iranian involvement in the Syrian civil war|Iranian-backed militia in Syria]]. Austin had previously recommended such airstrikes as a response to Iranian attacks on Americans in Iraq earlier in the month. It was also believed that the militia is responsible for killing a civilian contractor and injuring one American soldier as well as other troops in a missile attack on February 15, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Conducts Defensive Airstrikes Against Iranian-backed Militia in Syria|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2516530/us-conducts-defensive-airstrikes-against-iranian-backed-militia-in-syria/|access-date=March 1, 2021|website=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US|archive-date=November 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112011730/https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2516530/us-conducts-defensive-airstrikes-against-iranian-backed-militia-in-syria/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 26, 2021|title=Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Says He Recommended Syria Airstrike: 'We Know What We Hit'|url=https://newsone.com/4097885/lloyd-austin-recommended-syria-airstrike/|access-date=March 1, 2021|website=NewsOne|language=en-US|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227123046/https://newsone.com/4097885/lloyd-austin-recommended-syria-airstrike/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Combatting terrorism ===
During his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 28, 2023, Austin stated that "ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other such a terrorist groups continue to threaten the security of the United States". He also stated there were investments being made to improve the technology used for counterterrorism efforts. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement for the Record, Senate Armed Services Committee Budget Posture Hearing, March 28, 2023 |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Posture%20Written%20Statement_OMB%20Submission%20FY24_OMB%20Cleared_vF%20(SASC)%20FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922080630/https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Posture%20Written%20Statement_OMB%20Submission%20FY24_OMB%20Cleared_vF%20(SASC)%20FINAL.pdf |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |access-date=August 10, 2023}}</ref> 

On December 18, 2023, Austin announced the establishment of a multinational maritime task force, [[Operation Prosperity Guardian]], to address attacks from Houthis in Yemen on commercial ships and other targets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Pentagon announces new international mission to counter attacks on commercial vessels in Red Sea |url=https://apnews.com/article/attacks-red-sea-navy-mission-missiles-286d51bfd65e741e839e185f0f4a455b |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> According to the Pentagon's December 19 report, Houthis conducted over 100 drone and ballistic missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels involving more than 35 different nations.<ref name="Gordon">{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Chris |date=2023-12-18 |title=Pentagon Announces 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' to Stop Attacks by Houthis |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/operation-prosperity-guardian-houthi-attacks/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> In a statement issued on October 18, while he was on a trip to the Middle East, Austin said:

“The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law. Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the [[Gulf of Aden]], with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.”<ref name="Gordon" />

On October 16, 2024, Austin released a statement about a series of precision strikes conducted earlier that day by U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The next day, October 17, 2024, Austin highlighted three lessons that he views as key to ongoing success against global terrorism while speaking at NATO's D-ISIS Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium. He told the assembled members of the 87-country coalition that continued success against ISIS — and continued successful global counterterrorist efforts, overall — will require vigilance and resoluteness regarding transnational terrorism; an ongoing collective response to terrorist aggression; and understanding the importance of adaptability. "For 10 years, this coalition has tackled the scourge of ISIS. Our success stems from our resolve, our commitment to working together, and our willingness to adapt. These core elements will remain at the heart of the next phase of our mission."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Opening Remarks at the D-ISIS Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3937740/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-opening-remarks-at-the-d-isis-ministeri/}}</ref>

=== Israel ===
{{further|Israel–United States military relations|Gaza war}}
[[File:231013-D-TT977-1296 (53255665504).jpg|thumb|Austin with Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] and Minister of Defense [[Yoav Gallant]] in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 13, 2023]]
In January 2023, Austin declared that "America's commitment to Israel's security is ironclad. It is not negotiable. And it never will be."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-5" />

In January 2023, the U.S. and Israel conducted the largest U.S.-Israel partnered exercise in history: Juniper Oak 23.2. The exercise integrated unmanned aerial vehicles, strategic bombers, jet fighters and precision fires. U.S. and Israeli forces conducted long-range strikes, suppression of enemy air defense, electronic attacks, offensive counter and air interdiction, and air operations in the maritime domain. More than 7,000 personnel participated in the all-domain exercise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest U.S.-Israeli Exercise in History Concludes |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3279772/largest-us-israeli-exercise-in-history-concludes/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3279772/largest-us-israeli-exercise-in-history-concludes/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On October 8, 2023, the day after the [[Gaza war|Hamas attack on Israel]], Austin directed ''Gerald R. Ford'' carrier strike group to the [[Eastern Mediterranean]] in response. Along with the carrier, the group also included the cruiser {{USS|Normandy|CG-60|2}} and the destroyers {{USS|Ramage|DDG-61|2}}, {{USS|Carney|DDG-64|2}}, {{USS|Roosevelt|DDG-80|2}}, and {{USS|Thomas Hudner|DDG-116|2}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Force Posture Changes in the Middle E |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3551716/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-us-force-posture-changes-in-the/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008230637/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3551716/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-us-force-posture-changes-in-the/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 13, 2023, he arrived in Israel and met with Israeli defense minister [[Yoav Gallant]]. Austin said: "I am here in person to make something crystal-clear: America's support for Israel is ironclad."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fischler |first1=Jacob |title=U.S. stresses support for Israel as 1 million residents of North Gaza ordered to evacuate |url=https://coloradonewsline.com/2023/10/13/u-s-stresses-support-for-israel-as-1-million-residents-of-north-gaza-ordered-to-evacuate/ |work=Colorado Newsline |date=13 October 2023 |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014071023/https://coloradonewsline.com/2023/10/13/u-s-stresses-support-for-israel-as-1-million-residents-of-north-gaza-ordered-to-evacuate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:DAZ 0152PS (53406725862).jpg|thumb|Austin with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu on December 18, 2023]]
[[File:Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel and Amman, Jordan on 17 to 19 December 2023 - 22.jpg|thumb|Austin, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman [[Charles Q. Brown Jr.]] and Israeli Chief of General Staff [[Herzi Halevi]] in Tel Aviv, Israel]]

Since the initial [[Hamas]] attack, Pentagon Spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the department has focused its efforts on protecting American forces and citizens in the region, flowing security assistance to Israel, coordinating with Israelis to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and strengthening the force posture across the region in order to deter any escalation of the conflict beyond Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense Department Continues to Stress Law of War With Israel |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3578196/defense-department-continues-to-stress-law-of-war-with-israel/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3578196/defense-department-continues-to-stress-law-of-war-with-israel/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In November 2023, the House approved [[United States support for Israel in the Gaza war|$14.5 billion in military aid for Israel]].<ref>[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/us-house-passes-14-5bn-military-aid-package-for-israel US House passes $14.5bn military aid package for Israel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108175704/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/3/us-house-passes-14-5bn-military-aid-package-for-israel |date=January 8, 2024 }} aljazeera.com Retrieved 4 November 2023</ref> The Biden administration announced that it would seek "an unprecedented support package for Israel’s defense” of $14.3 billion."<ref>{{cite news |title=Most of Israel's weapons imports come from the US. Now Biden is rushing even more arms. |url=https://www.vox.com/world-politics/2023/11/18/23966137/us-weapons-israel-biden-package-explained |work=Vox |date=November 18, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108050651/https://www.vox.com/world-politics/2023/11/18/23966137/us-weapons-israel-biden-package-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 13, 2023, [[Defence for Children International]], Al-Haq, and Palestinians living in Gaza and the United States, represented by the [[Center for Constitutional Rights]], filed a lawsuit against Austin, President [[Joe Biden]] and Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] for failure to prevent [[Palestinian genocide accusation|genocide]], citing Israel's "mass killings," targeting of schools and hospitals, collective punishment, use of chemical weapons, [[Gaza Strip evacuations (2023–present)|forced expulsion]], and [[Blockade of Gaza (2023-present)|blockage]] of food, water, electricity and other basic needs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McGreal |first=Chris |author-link=Chris McGreal |date=13 November 2023 |title=US rights group sues Biden for alleged 'failure to prevent genocide' in Gaza |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/13/biden-lawsuit-alleged-failure-prevent-genocide-israel-palestine |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121091027/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/13/biden-lawsuit-alleged-failure-prevent-genocide-israel-palestine |archive-date=21 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=US President Biden sued for 'complicity' in Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/14/us-president-biden-sued-for-complicity-in-israels-genocide-in-gaza |work=Al Jazeera |date=14 November 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222080744/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/14/us-president-biden-sued-for-complicity-in-israels-genocide-in-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> 

The court dismissed the case on January 31, 2024, ruling that while "it is plausible that Israel's conduct amounts to genocide," US foreign policy was a [[political question]] over which courts lacked [[jurisdiction]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Biden Urged to Re-examine Israel Support After Lawsuit Dismissed - Th… |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/world/middleeast/joe-biden-israel-support.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240201013450/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/world/middleeast/joe-biden-israel-support.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-02-01 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=archive.ph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=United States District Court Northern District of California |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/defense-for-children-ruling.pdf}}</ref>

On November 28, 2023, the U.S. airlifted 24.5 metric tons, or more than 54,000 pounds, of U.N. humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza. At the request of [[United States Agency for International Development|USAID]], these supplies were transported via a U.S. Air Force [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster]] aircraft to Egypt where they were then transported via ground into Gaza and then distributed by U.N. agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3600209/pentagon-press-secretary-air-force-brig-gen-pat-ryder-holds-a-press-briefing/https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3600209/pentagon-press-secretary-air-force-brig-gen-pat-ryder-holds-a-press-briefing/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On December 2, 2023, Austin stated that "the United States will remain Israel’s closest friend in the world. Our support for Israel’s security is non-negotiable. And it never will be."<ref>{{cite news |title=US Defense Secretary: The US will remain Israel's closest friend in the world |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/381311 |work=Israel National News |date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212040035/https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/381311 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2023, the Biden administration bypassed Congress to approve the [[Israel–United States military relations|sale of military equipment to Israel]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Biden administration bypasses Congress on weapons sales to Israel |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/biden-administration-bypasses-congress-on-weapon-sales-to-israel |work=Al Jazeera |date=December 30, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107135959/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/biden-administration-bypasses-congress-on-weapon-sales-to-israel |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 18, 2023, Austin declared that American support for Israel is "unshakeable".<ref>{{cite news |title=Austin says US support for Israel unshakeable as Gaza ceasefire calls grow |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/18/us-says-support-for-israel-unshakeable-as-gaza-ceasefire-calls-grow |work=Al Jazeera |date=December 18, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106183013/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/18/us-says-support-for-israel-unshakeable-as-gaza-ceasefire-calls-grow |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:240625-D-VS137-1007 (53815757770).jpg|thumb|Austin and Israeli defense minister [[Yoav Gallant]] at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., June 25, 2024]]
On March 5, 2024, Austin met with [[Israeli war cabinet|Israeli War Cabinet]] member [[Benny Gantz]]. In their meeting, Austin condemned Hamas' attack against Israel on October 7 and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. He also conveyed strong concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and requested Minister Gantz's support in enabling more humanitarian assistance and distribution into Gaza. Austin emphasized the critical need for a credible and implementable plan for protecting civilians and addressing the humanitarian situation prior to any ground operations in Rafah.

On April 9, 2024, Austin told the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]] that the Pentagon had no evidence that Israel was carrying out a [[Allegations of genocide in the 2023 Israeli attack on Gaza|genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip]].<ref>{{cite news |date=9 April 2024 |title=US defence secretary says 'no evidence' of Gaza genocide after protests inside Senate – video |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/apr/09/us-defence-secretary-says-no-evidence-of-gaza-genocide-following-protests-inside-senate-video |work=The Guardian}}</ref> He said there was "no question" that there had been "far too many" [[Casualties of the Gaza war|civilian casualties]] in the war in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Austin: U.S. doesn't have "any evidence" of Israel committing genocide in Gaza |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/09/israel-genocide-gaza-us-austin-palestinians |work=Axios}}</ref>

On March 8, 2024, the Defense Department announced plans to undertake an emergency mission to establish a temporary [[Gaza floating pier|pier on the coast of Gaza]] to deliver up to 2,000,000 humanitarian aid meals per-day. During a Pentagon press briefing, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said, "This is part of a full-court press by the United States to not only focus on working on opening up and expanding routes via land, which are the optimal way to get aid into Gaza, but also by conducting air drops," in reference to the more than 100,000 meals that have been dropped into Gaza by the U.S. and [[Jordan]] during the previous week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DOD to Construct Pier to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3702071/dod-to-construct-pier-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3702071/dod-to-construct-pier-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Between May 17 and the end of June, U.S. Central Command helped deliver about 19.4 million pounds of aid via the temporary pier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jewish News Syndicate: Temporary 'trident' pier may not return to Gaza coast, per Pentagon |date=June 30, 2024 |url=https://www.jns.org/temporary-trident-pier-may-not-return-to-gaza-coast-per-pentagon/}}</ref> It was in use between May and July 2024. The ''[[Financial Times]]'' estimated less than 600 trucks of aid were delivered via the pier, about two days of aid to Gaza before the war, calling the pier a "colossal failure".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7a56bc4b-d192-4592-8151-0ff943932d82 |title=How the US's $230mn Gaza pier became a 'colossal failure' |last1=Srivastava |first1=Mehul |last2=Schwartz |first2=Felicia |newspaper=Financial Times |url-access=subscription |date=15 July 2024 |access-date=21 July 2024}}</ref>

On July 10, 2024, the Biden administration resumed shipments of the [[Mark 82 bomb|500-pound bombs]] to Israel,<ref>{{cite news |title=US resumes sending shipments of 500-pound bombs to Israel |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/11/us-resumes-sending-shipments-of-500-pound-bombs-to-israel |work=Al Jazeera |date=11 July 2024}}</ref> which were halted in May over concerns about the [[Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present)|humanitarian impact]] of Israel's use of them in [[Casualties of the Gaza war|killing Palestinians in Gaza]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Austin confirms US pausing bomb shipments to Israel, but commitment still 'ironclad' |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/08/austin-israel-bomb-shipments-00156819 |work=Politico |date=May 8, 2024}}</ref>

On July 31, 2024, following the [[assassination of Ismail Haniyeh]] by Israel, Austin reiterated an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security and said the United States would come to its defense if needed.<ref>{{cite news |title=In wake of Haniyeh killing, Austin says US will 'help defend Israel' if it's attacked |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-wake-of-haniyeh-killing-austin-says-us-will-help-defend-israel-if-its-attacked/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=31 July 2024}}</ref>

On October 1, 2024, Austin told Israeli Defense Minister Gallant that the United States supports Israel's [[2024 Israeli invasion of Lebanon|ground offensive against Hezbollah]] in southern Lebanon.<ref>{{cite news |title=US out of step as world reacts to Israel's ground offensive into Lebanon |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/1/us-out-of-step-as-world-reacts-to-israels-ground-offensive-into-lebanon |work=Al Jazeera |date=1 October 2024}}</ref>

On October 17, 2024, Austin spoke with Israeli minister of defense [[Yoav Gallant]]  to discuss reports on the killing of Hamas leader [[Yahya Sinwar]], the architect of the terrorist assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 Israelis and other civilians from more than 30 countries, including the U.S. were murdered and 251 people were taken hostage. Austin also expressed strong support for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3938603/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-call-with-israeli-minister/}}</ref> Austin later issued a statement about the killing of Sinwar, stating:

"The killing today of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the terrorist group Hamas, by Israeli forces is a major achievement in counterterrorism. Sinwar's death will not heal the wounds of the October 7th atrocities that he plotted, or the many deaths for which he is responsible, but I hope that it may bring some small measure of justice and solace to the families and the loved ones of the many victims of Sinwar's premeditated cruelty."<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Killing of Yahya Sinwar of Hamas |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3938865/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-the-killing-of-yahya-si/}}</ref>

=== Indo-Pacific ===
[[File:Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and USFJ Commander Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider at Yokota Air Force Base.jpg|thumb|[[United States Secretary of Defense|U.S. secretary of defense]] Lloyd Austin with Commander of [[United States Forces Japan|U.S. Forces Japan]] Lt. Gen. [[Kevin Schneider]] at [[Yokota Air Base|Yokota Air Force Base]] in Japan, March 15, 2021.]]
In his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on March 29, 2023, Austin said: <blockquote>The PRC is our pacing challenge. And we're driving hard to meet it. Our budget builds on our previous investments to deter aggression. We're investing in a more resilient force posture in the [[Indo-Pacific]] and increasing the scale and the scope of our exercises with our partners. And in recent months, our friends in the Indo-Pacific have taken major steps forward. The Philippines has agreed to nearly double the number of sites where we cooperate together. Japan has committed to double its defense spending. And through the historic [[AUKUS]] partnership, we'll work with our Australian and British allies to build game-changing defense advantages that will deter aggression and boost our defense industrial capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Testimony by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Before the House Armed Servi |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3344458/opening-testimony-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-before-the-house-a/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3344458/opening-testimony-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-before-the-house-a/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref></blockquote>During his tenure as Secretary of Defense, Austin made thirteen official visits to the Indo-Pacific region. His 13th trip in December 2024 was to Japan where he engaged with U.S. troops and Japanese leaders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vincent |first=Brandi |date=2024-12-08 |title=On his last Indo-Pacific trip as SecDef, Austin will see 'a lot of firsts' in Japan |url=https://defensescoop.com/2024/12/08/secretary-lloyd-austin-japan-last-indo-pacific-trip-as-secdef-see-a-lot-of-firsts/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=DefenseScoop |language=en-US}}</ref> His previous trip in November 2024 included stops in Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji, where Austin participated in the Australia-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting, attended the [[ASEAN]] Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, conducted meetings with regional counterparts, and held engagements with Fijian leaders.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Twelfth Visit to the Indo-Pacific |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3978170/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-concludes-twelfth-visit-to-the-indo-pac/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ASEAN |first=U. S. Mission to |date=2024-11-25 |title=Fact Sheet: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's 12th Trip to the Indo-Pacific |url=https://asean.usmission.gov/fact-sheet-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-12th-trip-to-the-indo-pacific/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=U.S. Mission to ASEAN |language=en-US}}</ref>

In March 2021, as part of their first overseas trip as members of the Biden administration, Austin and Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] visited Japan and South Korea.<ref name="Stars and Stripes">{{Cite web |title=Austin arrives in Tokyo for talks expected to include cooperation on China, North Korea|first=Seth|last=Robson |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/austin-arrives-in-tokyo-for-talks-expected-to-include-cooperation-on-china-north-korea-1.665821 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315183406/https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/austin-arrives-in-tokyo-for-talks-expected-to-include-cooperation-on-china-north-korea-1.665821 |url-status=live }}</ref> The trip reflected the [[Biden administration]]'s concerns about [[Belt and Road Initiative|China's growing influence]] within the Indo-Pacific region, especially their military buildup during the pandemic, as well as [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|North Korea's nuclear threat]] and the February 2021 [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état|coup d'état in Myanmar]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 15, 2021|title=2 key US Cabinet members visit Japan for China-focused talks|url=https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-lloyd-austin-tokyo-china-27dafa355aa754cc674dc1b1e6b18ce9|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=AP NEWS|first=Mari|last=Yamaguchi|archive-date=March 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315214411/https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-lloyd-austin-tokyo-china-27dafa355aa754cc674dc1b1e6b18ce9|url-status=live}}</ref> The trip was also part of the Biden administration's "America is back" diplomatic theme, and Austin pledged the U.S.'s commitment to reaffirm ties with its allies and to maintain a robust military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.<ref name="Stars and Stripes" /> Austin added that [[Nuclear disarmament|denuclearization]] of the Korean Peninsula remains a top priority for the Biden Administration, and that the alliances with South Korea and Japan are among the most important tools the United States has in that regard.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jessie |last=Yeung|title=US and Japan express concern over China's 'aggressive actions'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/16/politics/blinken-austin-japan-trip-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=CNN|date=March 16, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316101538/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/16/politics/blinken-austin-japan-trip-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:210729-D-TT977-0321 (51342640608).jpg|thumb|Austin meets with [[Vietnam]]'s prime minister [[Pham Minh Chinh]] in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 29, 2021.]]
On March 16, 2021, the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (SCC) (Japan-U.S. "2+2") was convened in Tokyo. The meeting was attended by Austin and Blinken from the U.S. side, and Foreign Minister [[Toshimitsu Motegi|Motegi Toshimitsu]] and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo from the Japanese side. The four ministers reaffirmed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance remains the "cornerstone" of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and renewed the unwavering commitment of both countries to the Japan-U.S. Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (Japan-U.S.) |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/na/st/page3e_001112.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205025226/https://www.mofa.go.jp/na/st/page3e_001112.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2023, as part of his seventh official visit to the Indo-Pacific region, Austin traveled to Tokyo to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Defense Minister [[Yasukazu Hamada]] and other senior leaders, including Prime Minister [[Fumio Kishida|Kishida Fumio]] and Foreign Minister [[Yoshimasa Hayashi]]. Austin's visit came as the United States and Japan took important strides to modernize Alliance capabilities, optimize U.S. force posture, and build links with like-minded partners following the historic U.S.-Japan "2+2" Ministerial meeting earlier that year.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-6">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Travel to Japan, Singapore, India, France |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3408427/secretary-of-defense-travel-to-japan-singapore-india-france/https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3408427/secretary-of-defense-travel-to-japan-singapore-india-france/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In July 2023, Austin traveled to Australia where he participated in the 33rd Australia/U.S. ministerial consultations, also called [[AUSMIN]]. Following the meeting, DoD officials stated, "the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Australia has never been stronger" and "it is doing more than ever for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian, U.S. Leaders Say Alliance Is More Relevant Than Ever |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3476054/australian-us-leaders-say-alliance-is-more-relevant-than-ever/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3476054/australian-us-leaders-say-alliance-is-more-relevant-than-ever/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
[[File:U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin greets South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a meeting at the Pentagon, USA on April 27, 2023.jpg|thumb|Austin with South Korean President [[Yoon Suk Yeol]] at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., April 27, 2023]]
In July 2024, Austin made his eleventh official visit to the Indo-Pacific region where he conducted a series of engagements with counterparts and other senior officials in Japan and the Philippines. While in Tokyo, Austin and Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] met with Japanese minister of defense Kihara Minoru and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko for the 2024 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee — or "2+2" — meeting. Following the 2+2 meeting, the four officials announced historic steps to modernize Alliance roles, missions, and capabilities; expand defense industry cooperation; and enhance alignment with allies and partners. The four ministers also convened a historic ministerial meeting on Extended Deterrence. In addition to holding bilateral meetings with Minister Kihara and Minister Shin, Austin and Blinken also met with Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-9">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Eleventh Visit to the Indo-Pacific |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3856333/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-concludes-eleventh-visit-to-the-indo-pa/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:240604-D-TT977-1141 (53769050950).jpg|thumb|Austin with [[Cambodia]]'s Senate President [[Hun Sen]] in Phnom Penh, June 4, 2024]]
Also while in Tokyo, Austin, Minister Kihara, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense [[Shin Won-sik]] held the first Trilateral Ministerial Meeting to ever take place in either Japan or the ROK, where they signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework to further institutionalize their three countries' security partnership.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-9" />

During their subsequent visit to the Philippines, Austin and Blinken met with Philippine president [[Bongbong Marcos]] during which they underscored the historic strength of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, reaffirmed ironclad U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights, and discussed ways to continue working more closely with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-9" /> Austin and Blinken also joined their Philippine counterparts, Secretary of National Defense [[Gilbert Teodoro|Gilberto Teodoro]] and Secretary of Foreign Affairs [[Enrique Manalo]], for the fourth U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue – the first to ever take place in Manila. Together, the four officials discussed opportunities to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the face of shared challenges. In a separate bilateral meeting with Secretary Teodoro, Austin welcomed the historic announcements from the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on Foreign Military Financing for the Philippines and the conclusion of a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-9" />

In November 2024, Austin again met with President Marcos and Secretary Teodoro in the Philippines. Together they reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance as well as their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. While there, Austin participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new bilateral [[Combined Coordination Center]] and signed a [[General Security of Military Information Agreement]], both of which will increase information flow and deepen interoperability.<ref name="ReferenceB" />[[File:230503-D-XI929-1006.jpg|thumb|left|Austin with Philippine President [[Bongbong Marcos]] at the Pentagon, May 3, 2023]]
In March 2021, Austin made a three-day visit to [[India]], where he met with his Indian counterpart [[Rajnath Singh]], and other senior government officials.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Shubhajit |title=US Defence Secretary holds talks to deepen Indo-US ties, says discussed rights too |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/us-defence-secretary-holds-talks-to-deepen-indo-us-ties-says-discussed-rights-too-7237777/ |access-date=November 20, 2021 |work=The Indian Express |publisher=The Indian Express |date=March 21, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120113255/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/us-defence-secretary-holds-talks-to-deepen-indo-us-ties-says-discussed-rights-too-7237777/ |url-status=live }}</ref> India drew closer to the United States following its [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes|tensions with China]] on their disputed [[Sino-Indian border]]. Austin urged India to cancel the planned purchase of Russia's [[S-400 missile system|S-400 air defence system]].<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. defense secretary urges India to avoid buying Russian equipment |first=Aditi |last=Shah |first2=Nigam |last2=Prusty|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-asia-austin-india-idUSKBN2BC06O |work=Reuters |date=March 20, 2021 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413125305/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-asia-austin-india-idUSKBN2BC06O |url-status=live }}</ref>

Austin made a second visit to India in June 2023, where he again met with Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] as well as other senior leaders to discuss the ongoing joint efforts to modernize the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-6" />

In November 2024, Austin met with Indian defense minister Singh in Laos.
[[File:Indian Defense Minister Singh in Laos.jpg|thumb|Austin met with Indian Defense Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] in Laos in November 2024]]
The India-U.S. defense partnership has strengthened considerably in the last few years with the countries signing key defense and security pacts, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-08-29 |title=U.S., India sign military logistics agreement |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-usa-military-idUSKCN114241 |access-date=2023-08-10 |archive-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002045546/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-usa-military-idUSKCN114241 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:221122-D-TT977-0085 (52516122439).jpg|thumb|Austin with Chinese [[state councilor]] and defense minister [[Wei Fenghe]], November 22, 2022]]
During a press conference following Austin's visit to New Delhi, a senior Defense Department official described the progress between the U.S. and India: "India's growing commitment to playing a more engaged international role, including in the Indo-Pacific Quad, demonstrates a new and growing willingness to join the United States to protect and advance a shared vision of a free, open and rules-based global order.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S., India Rapidly Expand Their Military Cooperation |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3433245/us-india-rapidly-expand-their-military-cooperation/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3433245/us-india-rapidly-expand-their-military-cooperation/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 11, 2022, Austin condemned [[China]]'s "provocative, destabilising" military activity near [[Taiwan]],<ref>{{cite news |title=US blasts China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220611-us-blasts-china-s-destabilising-military-activity-near-taiwan |work=France 24 |date=June 11, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813231437/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220611-us-blasts-china-s-destabilising-military-activity-near-taiwan |url-status=live }}</ref> a day after China's defence minister [[Wei Fenghe]] warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost."<ref>{{cite news |title='Smash to smithereens': China threatens all-out war over Taiwan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/10/china-tells-us-it-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-over-taiwan |work=Al-Jazeera |date=June 10, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813231524/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/10/china-tells-us-it-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-over-taiwan |url-status=live }}</ref> Austin said the United States "will continue to fulfill our commitments under the [[Taiwan Relations Act]]. That includes assisting Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability."<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese Defense Minister Warns of Confrontation if US Tries to Corner China |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-defense-minister-warns-of-confrontation-if-us-tries-to-corner-china-/6614330.html |work=VOA News |date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717012717/https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-defense-minister-warns-of-confrontation-if-us-tries-to-corner-china-/6614330.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By February 2023, he had secured the U.S. military access to nine [[military base]]s in the [[Philippines]], which is orthogonally situated between Taiwan and the [[South China Sea]], expediting the full implementation of the [[Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement]] signed during the [[Obama administration]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wingfield-Hayes |first1=Rupert |title=US secures deal on Philippines bases to complete arc around China |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64479712 |access-date=February 3, 2023 |work=BBC News |date=February 2, 2023 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203000142/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64479712 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the June 2023 [[Shangri-La Dialogue]] in [[Singapore]], Austin warned that conflict in the [[Taiwan Strait]] would be devastating.<ref>{{cite web
|date=June 3, 2023
|last=Britzky
|first=Haley
|author2=Brad Lendon
|title=Taiwan war would be 'devastating,' warns US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he criticizes China at Shangri-La security summit
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603100806/https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/02/asia/austin-shangri-law-dialogue-speech-taiwan-intl-hnk/index.html
|archive-date=3 June 2023
|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/02/asia/austin-shangri-law-dialogue-speech-taiwan-intl-hnk/index.html
|work=[[CNN]]}}</ref>

On April 16, 2024, Austin spoke on the phone with Admiral [[Dong Jun]], Minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It was the first time Austin had talked to Dong and the first time Austin had spoken at length with any Chinese counterpart since November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-16 |first=Lolita C. |last=Baldor|title=US Pentagon chief speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time since November 2022 |url=https://apnews.com/article/china-austin-military-pentagon-blinken-1f3923ce6284314ba38c101b6fee8b80 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> On May 31, 2024, Austin and Dong met in Singapore on the margins of the [[Shangri-La Dialogue]], ending an almost 18-month break since the two countries’ top defense officials last spoke in person. During their meeting, Austin expressed concern about recent provocative PLA activity around the [[Taiwan Strait]], and he reiterated that the PRC should not use Taiwan's political transition — part of a normal, routine democratic process — as a pretext for coercive measures. Austin underscored that the US remains committed to its longstanding one China policy, and also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With People's Republic of Ch |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3792119/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-meeting-with-peoples-republ/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3792119/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-meeting-with-peoples-republ/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Noah |date=2024-05-31 |title=Austin meets with Chinese counterpart for first time since 2022 |url=https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/05/31/austin-meets-with-chinese-counterpart-for-first-time-since-2022/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2023, Austin traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia for the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus where he emphasized the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality as a key pillar of the United States’ efforts to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and detailed how U.S. security cooperation with ASEAN partners is contributing to a more stable and prosperous region. On the margins of the ADMM-Plus, Austin also met with each of his ASEAN counterparts from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia for the |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3591791/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-meetings-in-jakarta-indonesi/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3591791/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-meetings-in-jakarta-indonesi/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
[[File:Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting and 11th ADMM-Plus in Vientiane, Laos on November 21, 2024.jpg|thumb|Austin met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea for a historic multilateral meeting in Laos on November 21, 2024]]
A year later, in November 2024, Austin traveled to Laos where he participated in the ADMM-Plus and met with regional counterparts. He delivered plenary remarks and announced the first-ever DoD Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia that details ways to increase practical cooperation between the United States and Southeast Asia. He also announced the second-ever ASEAN-United States Maritime Exercise in 2025 to advance maritime safety and rule of law in the region. During his meetings, Austin emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthen security in Southeast Asia through unwavering support for ASEAN centrality. On the margins of ADMM Plus, Austin convened the first-ever meeting with defense leaders from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea to discuss their shared commitment to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, where international law and sovereignty are respected.<ref name="ReferenceB" />

'''AUKUS Partnership'''

The trilateral security partnership among the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia, also known as AUKUS, was created in September 2021 with the goal to "strengthen the ability of each government to support security and defense interests, building on longstanding and ongoing bilateral ties. [The partnership] will promote deeper information sharing and technology sharing; and foster deeper integration of security and defense-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains."<ref>{{Cite web |title=AUKUS: The Trilateral Security Partnership Between Australia, U.K. and U.S. |url=https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/AUKUS/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

The AUKUS partnership has two pillars. The first is to enable Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability as rapidly as possible, most likely in the early 2030s. The second pillar is to accelerate emerging capabilities, including uncrewed maritime systems, artificial intelligence, autonomy, electronic warfare, quantum, cyber and hypersonics.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-10">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, and |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3918715/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-australian-defense-minister-richard-mar/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 26, 2024, during a joint press conference with his Australian and UK counterparts,  Defense Minister [[Richard Marles]] and Defense Secretary Josh Healey, following the AUKUS Defense Ministerial Meeting in London, Austin said: "Together, we have reaffirmed the extraordinary strength of our AUKUS partnership and we showed our shared vision for an open, free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Our three proud democracies share a deep and binding belief in the rules based international order and in a system that respects human rights upholds the rule of law and insists that disputes be resolved peacefully. We also understand that we are stronger together, and that's the lens that we all used again today."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-10" />

At the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting in California on December 1, 2023, it was announced that AUKUS partners would launch the Innovation Challenge Series in the first half of 2024. The AUKUS Innovation Challenge Series was created to enable governments, industry, and academia to co-design solutions to operational problems. The first AUKUS Innovation Challenge was drawn from a trilaterally agreed problem set that the partner defense forces face and focused on electronic warfare. On September 26, 2024, Austin, Marles and Healey each announced the winners from their respective nations at the Defence Ministers Meeting at the [[Old Royal Naval College]] in Greenwich, London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Trilateral AUKUS Pillar II Prize Competition Completed |url=https://www.diu.mil/latest/first-trilateral-aukus-pillar-ii-prize-competition-completed |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=www.diu.mil}}</ref>

In a statement issued on September 15, 2023, marking the second anniversary of the establishment of AUKUS, Austin said: "I am incredibly proud of the tireless work of this department and our U.K. and Australian counterparts, and I am confident in the bright future of our historic partnership. Working together over these past two years, we have accelerated efforts toward our common goals faster than anyone would have thought possible."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of AUKUS |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3526808/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-statement-on-two-year-anniversary-of-au/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

During his November 2024 visit to Australia, Austin met with Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles and Japanese minister of defense Nakatani Gen for a historic Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting where they announced initiatives to expand the scale and scope of trilateral cooperation and enhance force posture in the region.

=== Afghanistan ===
[[File:Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets and President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani during a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., June 25, 2021 51270314796.jpg|thumb|Austin meeting with Afghan president [[Ashraf Ghani]] on June 25, 2021]]
On February 19, 2021, Austin told reporters at the Pentagon that the Biden Administration had not yet determined whether the U.S. would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by the May 1 deadline set by the Trump administration in February 2020 as part of the [[Doha Agreement (2020)|Doha Agreement]], a deal reached between the United States and the Taliban.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macias |first=Amanda |date=2021-02-19 |title=Defense secretary calls for an immediate reduction in violence in Afghanistan as troop withdrawal deadline looms |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/19/austin-calls-for-an-immediate-reduction-in-violence-in-afghanistan.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318150912/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/19/austin-calls-for-an-immediate-reduction-in-violence-in-afghanistan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Biden administration was considering a six-month extension.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Jamie |date=2021-03-21 |title=Defense secretary visits Afghanistan as US considers troop extension {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/21/politics/defense-secretary-austin-afghanistan-visit/index.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321230033/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/21/politics/defense-secretary-austin-afghanistan-visit/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 21, 2021, Austin met with Afghanistan President [[Ashraf Ghani]] in [[Kabul]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/21/politics/defense-secretary-austin-afghanistan-visit/index.html|title=Defense secretary visits Afghanistan as US considers troop extension|author=Jamie Crawford|website=CNN|date=March 21, 2021|access-date=March 22, 2021|archive-date=March 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321230033/https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/21/politics/defense-secretary-austin-afghanistan-visit/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

That same month, Biden directed his national security team, including Austin, to begin withdrawal planning that accounted for a range of possible contingencies, including a [[non-combatant evacuation operation]] (NEO).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/US-Withdrawal-from-Afghanistan.pdf|title=U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan|access-date=June 24, 2023|archive-date=June 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614161154/https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/US-Withdrawal-from-Afghanistan.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 14, 2021, in an address to the nation, President Biden announced that a new deadline for full withdrawal of all U.S. troops had been set for September 11, 2021. "After consulting closely with our allies and partners, with our military leaders and intelligence personnel, with our diplomats and our development experts, with the Congress and the Vice President, as well as with [Afghan President [[Ashraf Ghani]]] and many others around the world, I concluded that it's time to end America's longest war. It's time for American troops to come home," he said.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biden Announces Full U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan by Sept. 11 |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2573268/biden-announces-full-us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-by-sept-11/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2573268/biden-announces-full-us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-by-sept-11/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Soon after the withdrawal of U.S. troops started, the [[Taliban]] launched an [[2021 Taliban offensive|offensive against the Afghan government]], quickly advancing in front of a collapsing [[Afghan Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robertson |first1=Nic |title=Afghanistan is disintegrating fast as Biden's troop withdrawal continues |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/asia/afghanistan-taliban-offensive-intl-cmd/index.html |work=CNN|date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190124/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/24/asia/afghanistan-taliban-offensive-intl-cmd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Afghanistan stunned by scale and speed of security forces' collapse |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |work=The Guardian |first=Emma |last=Graham-Harrison |date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815063215/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/13/afghanistan-stunned-by-scale-and-speed-of-security-forces-collapse |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 24, 2021, Austin said: "In terms of whether or not [Afghanistan's military] will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum."<ref>{{cite news|title=First task for Afghan forces is to slow Taliban's momentum -Pentagon chief|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/first-task-afghan-forces-is-slow-talibans-momentum-pentagon-chief-2021-07-25/|work=Reuters|first=Idrees|last=Ali|date=July 25, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2023|archive-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206100530/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/first-task-afghan-forces-is-slow-talibans-momentum-pentagon-chief-2021-07-25/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:210321-D-BN624-1081 (51058752833).jpg|thumb|Austin with [[NATO]]'s [[Resolute Support Mission]] commander [[Austin S. Miller]] in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 21, 2021]]
On August 12, 2021, following continued Taliban victories across Afghanistan, the Biden Administration announced that 3,000 U.S. troops would be deployed to [[Kabul International Airport|Kabul Airport]] to evacuate embassy personnel, US nationals and [[Special Immigrant Visa]] applicants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-12 |title=Pentagon sending troops to Kabul to help evacuation of U.S. Embassy|work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kabul-afghanistan-us-embassy-evacuation-pentagon/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |first1=David|last1=Martin|first2=Eleanor|last2=Watson |language=en-US |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815161234/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kabul-afghanistan-us-embassy-evacuation-pentagon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the next few weeks, the Defense Department oversaw one of the largest airlifts in history, evacuating more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans and people of other nationalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Central to One of Largest, Most Difficult Airlifts in History, Biden Tells Nation |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2741261/us-central-to-one-of-largest-most-difficult-airlifts-in-history-biden-tells-nat/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2741261/us-central-to-one-of-largest-most-difficult-airlifts-in-history-biden-tells-nat/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On August 26, 2021, an ISIS-K terrorist detonated a suicide bomb at [[Hamid Karzai International Airport]], killing more than 170 civilians and 13 US service members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Single suicide bomber killed US troops and Afghans in ISIS-K attack at Kabul airport, Pentagon finds |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/single-suicide-bomber-killed-us-troops-afghans-isis/story?id=82676604 |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624051807/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/single-suicide-bomber-killed-us-troops-afghans-isis/story?id=82676604 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a statement issued on the one-year anniversary of that devastating attack at Abbey Gate, Austin said: "The heroes we lost that day gave their lives to defend their teammates and to help save the lives of tens of thousands of innocent Afghan people who sought freedom and the opportunity for a better life."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3140810/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3140810/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On August 30, 2021, the last American service member left Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-01 |title=The last soldier to leave Afghanistan was uniquely prepared for that moment |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/last-soldier-leave-afghanistan-nicknamed-flatliner-was-uniquely-prepared-moment-n1278260 |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=NBC News|first=Elisha|last=Fieldstadt |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624051808/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/last-soldier-leave-afghanistan-nicknamed-flatliner-was-uniquely-prepared-moment-n1278260 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2021, Austin directed an independent [[After-action review|After Action Review]] (AAR) be conducted to provide a detailed assessment of the Defense Department's implementation of US Afghanistan policy from January 2020 through August 2021. "The purpose of the AAR was to examine decision points, constraints, and assumptions in order to contribute toward a whole-of-government effort to learn, improve and incorporate lessons learned into the Department's response to future crises."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Defense Department's Afghanis |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3354951/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-the-defense-departments/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3354951/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-the-defense-departments/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

=== Ukraine ===
{{further|Russia–United States relations|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
 	
[[File:230525-D-XI929-1002.jpg|thumb|Austin refused to cooperate with the [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC) investigating [[Russian war crimes in Ukraine]], stating "I will always prioritize the protection of US military personnel in anything that we do."<ref>{{cite news |title=US senators accuse Pentagon of hindering war crimes prosecution of Russia |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senators-accuse-pentagon-hindering-war-crimes-prosecution-russia-2023-05-11/ |work=Reuters |date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819213830/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senators-accuse-pentagon-hindering-war-crimes-prosecution-russia-2023-05-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
On February 24, 2022, Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] launched an [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|invasion of Ukraine]], stating the "special military operation" is aimed at "demilitarization" and "denazification" of the country to protect ethnic Russians, prevent Kyiv's NATO membership and to keep it in Russia's "sphere of influence".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-19 |title=1 year after the invasion began, a timeline of Russia's war in Ukraine |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/1-year-after-the-invasion-began-a-timeline-of-russias-war-in-ukraine |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624051808/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/1-year-after-the-invasion-began-a-timeline-of-russias-war-in-ukraine |url-status=live }}</ref> During the invasion, the U.S. sent tens of billions of dollars in missiles, ammunition and other items to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=House approves $40B in Ukraine aid, beefing up Biden request |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-0ac5c758d32dbea64c437b50e829bbb2 |work=Associated Press|first=Alan|last=Fram |date=May 11, 2022 |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511000720/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-biden-europe-0ac5c758d32dbea64c437b50e829bbb2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Austin said that he wanted to see "Russia weakened to the degree that it can't do the kinds of things that it has done in invading [[Ukraine]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine war: US wants to see a weakened Russia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61214176 |access-date=April 25, 2022 |work=BBC News |date=April 25, 2022 |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425110615/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61214176 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Austin immediately ordered deployment of 7,000 U.S. military personnel and key enablers to locations across Europe in support of Ukraine. The next day, the [[NATO Response Force]] was activated,<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Barbara |last1=Starr |first2=Jeremy |last2=Herb |date=2022-02-25 |title=NATO Response Force activated for first time {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/25/politics/nato-ukraine-russia/index.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226234002/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/25/politics/nato-ukraine-russia/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Biden administration authorized $350 million in military assistance from Defense Department inventories, including anti-armor, small arms and various munitions, body armor, and related equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Department of Defense Statement on Additional Military Assistance for Ukraine |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2947554/department-of-defense-statement-on-additional-military-assistance-for-ukraine/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

In March 2022, the Biden administration announced [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|$1 billion in security assistance to Ukraine]], including direct transfers of Defense Department equipment to the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|Ukrainian military]]. In total, as of September 26, 2024, the United States has committed more than $59.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $59.1 billion through both presidential drawdown authority and the [[Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative]] since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-3">{{Cite web |title=Austin Kicks Off Meeting on Ukraine Defense |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3597035/austin-kicks-off-meeting-on-ukraine-defense/ |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine |url=https://media.defense.gov/2024/Oct/16/2003565637/-1/-1/1/20241015-UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-PDA-67-FINAL.PDF}}</ref>

On April 24, 2022, Secretary Austin and Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] visited [[Kyiv]], Ukraine, and met with President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] and other Ukrainian leaders. They discussed America's stalwart support for the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian people, including through the U.S.'s significant assistance to Ukraine's security, governance, economic and humanitarian needs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-and-secretary-austins-travel-to-ukraine/|title=Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin's Travel to Ukraine|access-date=June 24, 2023|archive-date=May 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528073242/https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-and-secretary-austins-travel-to-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 26, 2022, Austin hosted a forum at [[Ramstein Air Base]], Germany, referred to as the [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group]] (UDCG) (also known as the Ramstein Group), where nearly 40 nations met to discuss current and future efforts to provide support for Ukraine. In his opening comments he articulated the purpose of the gathering, "to help Ukraine win the fight against Russia's unjust invasion—and to build up Ukraine's defenses for tomorrow's challenges". Austin also made clear that the invasion of Ukraine was a "war of choice". "Nobody is fooled by Putin's pretexts or by his phony claims on the [[Donbas]] [region]", Austin said. "Let's be clear — Russia's invasion is indefensible, and so are Russian atrocities. We all start today from a position of moral clarity: Russia is waging a war of choice to indulge the ambitions of one man."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary Austin's Opening Remarks at the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group, Ramstein Air |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3010300/secretary-austins-opening-remarks-at-the-ukraine-defense-consultative-group-ram/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

"Russia's invasion is baseless, reckless and lawless," Austin said. <blockquote>It is an affront to the rules-based international order. It is a challenge to free people everywhere. And, as we see this morning, nations of goodwill from around the world stand united in our resolve to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's imperial aggression. And that's the way it should be...The contact group will be a vehicle for nations of goodwill to intensify our efforts, coordinate our assistance, and focus on winning today's fight and the struggles to come. The monthly meetings may be in-person, virtual or mixed. And they'll extend the transparency, the integration, and the dialogue that we saw today.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Meets With Nations to Intensify Support for Ukraine |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3010789/austin-meets-with-nations-to-intensify-support-for-ukraine/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Зустріч Президента України з Державним секретарем і міністром оборони США 01.jpg|thumb|Austin and Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] meeting with Ukrainian president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] in Kyiv on April 24, 2022]]  On January 20, 2023, Austin traveled to Ramstein Air Base, Germany to conduct the eighth such meeting of the [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group]]. He was joined by ministers of defense and chiefs of defense from nearly 50 nations, including Ukrainian defense minister [[Oleksii Reznikov|Oleksiy Reznikov]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US and allies gather at Ramstein to discuss how to help Ukraine defeat Russia's 'unjust invasion' |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-04-26/austin-ukraine-ramstein-air-base-russia-5804405.html |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en |archive-date=May 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504174341/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2022-04-26/austin-ukraine-ramstein-air-base-russia-5804405.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The meeting produced an unprecedented level of donations from allies and partners,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defe |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3278160/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-call-with-ukrainian-ministe/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> including the procurement of 31 [[M1 Abrams|M1 Abrams tanks]] for Ukraine by the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biden Announces Abrams Tanks to be Delivered to Ukraine |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3277910/biden-announces-abrams-tanks-to-be-delivered-to-ukraine/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> as part of a $400 million [[Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative]] package.<ref name="Russian War in Ukraine: Timeline">{{Cite web |title=Russian War in Ukraine: Timeline |url=https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Support-for-Ukraine/Timeline/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=July 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710195503/https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Support-for-Ukraine/Timeline/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 15, 2023, the Defense Department announced the arrival of the Abrams tanks to [[Grafenwöhr|Grafenwoehr]], Germany in preparation for U.S.-led training of Ukrainian tank crews and maintainers before the tanks are sent to the front lines to arm Ukrainian forces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian Tank Crews, Maintainers to Begin Training on U.S. M1 Abrams in Germany Soon |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3395940/ukrainian-tank-crews-maintainers-to-begin-training-on-us-m1-abrams-in-germany-s/ |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

Austin refused to cooperate with the [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC) investigating [[Russian war crimes in Ukraine]], consistent with long-standing policy<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S.: 'Hague Invasion Act' Becomes Law |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2002/08/03/us-hague-invasion-act-becomes-law |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=14 January 2024 |language=en |date=3 August 2002}}</ref> that it might legitimize the ICC's investigation of [[United States war crimes]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pentagon accused of blocking effort to hand Russia war crimes evidence to ICC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/08/pentagon-international-criminal-court-russia-war-crimes |work=The Guardian |date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202054511/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/08/pentagon-international-criminal-court-russia-war-crimes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pentagon's cold shoulder in probe of Russia war crimes spurs pushback at Senate |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/pentagons-cold-shoulder-in-probe-of-russia-war-crimes-spurs-pushback-at-senate/ |work=[[Courthouse News Service]] |date=April 19, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923020014/https://www.courthousenews.com/pentagons-cold-shoulder-in-probe-of-russia-war-crimes-spurs-pushback-at-senate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During a May 2023 [[Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense]] hearing about the Department of Defense's (DoD) fiscal year 2024 budget request, Senator [[Dick Durbin]] asked Austin: "Why are you reluctant to share [with the International Criminal Court] the evidence that we have gathered in the United States through the Department of Defense for those who are holding [Russian President] Vladimir Putin accountable for his war crimes?" Austin responded, "The Department firmly supports the goal of holding Russia accountable for its violations in Ukraine." But he added, "I will always prioritize the protection of US military personnel in anything that we do." When Durbin pushed him for further clarification, Austin said, "Again, I do have concerns about reciprocity [against U.S. military personnel] going forward."<ref name="aljazeera-war crimes">{{cite news |title=Pentagon withholding evidence in Russia war crimes case: Senators |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/11/pentagon-withholding-evidence-in-russia-war-crimes-case-senators |work=Al Jazeera |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712202852/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/11/pentagon-withholding-evidence-in-russia-war-crimes-case-senators |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Durbin Urges Secretary Of Defense To Support ICC's Investigation Into The Atrocities Committed In Ukraine In Senate Appropriations Hearing {{!}} U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois |url=https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-secretary-of-defense-to-support-iccs-investigation-into-the-atrocities-committed-in-ukraine-in-senate-appropriations-hearing |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=www.durbin.senate.gov |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810234943/https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-secretary-of-defense-to-support-iccs-investigation-into-the-atrocities-committed-in-ukraine-in-senate-appropriations-hearing |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 25, 2023, Austin hosted the 12th meeting of the [[Ukraine Defense Contact Group|UDCG]], held virtually and attended by leaders from 50 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Speaks at Ukraine Defense Meeting |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/884566/austin-speaks-ukraine-defense-meeting |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624051807/https://www.dvidshub.net/video/884566/austin-speaks-ukraine-defense-meeting |url-status=live }}</ref> Austin told those gathered, "Today, we committed to doing even more to support Ukraine's fight for freedom. I came away from today's meeting as confident as ever in the contact group's resolve and sustained unity."<ref name="defense.gov">{{Cite web |title=Defense Contact Group Remains Steadfast on Ukraine Support |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3408109/defense-contact-group-remains-steadfast-on-ukraine-support |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

On June 15, 2023, Austin delivered remarks at the 13th meeting of the UDCG, marking the United States' new package of more than $2 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 13th Ukraine Defense Co |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3428745/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-13th-ukraine |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 17, 2023, he spoke at the 14th meeting of the UDCG, noting that "Russia's war of choice has now lasted more than 500 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 14th Ukraine Defense Conference  |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3461668/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-14th-ukraine |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 19, 2023, at the 15th meeting of the UDCG, Austin said: <blockquote>Back in June, President Biden joined the leaders of the G7 in a joint declaration condemning, and I quote, "Russia's illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. Those leaders committed to working together with Ukraine on long-term bilateral security commitments and arrangements to help secure its future. Since June, more than 22 countries have signed on to this statement and they've started working to further deepen their support for Ukraine now and in the years to come.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3530900/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-and-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-sta/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref></blockquote>

[[File:United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin meets with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov during his visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on 20 November 2023.jpg|thumb|Austin with Ukrainian defense minister [[Rustem Umerov]] in Kyiv, November 20, 2023]]
The U.S.-led coalition has grown to include more than 50 countries – from North America to Europe to the Indo-Pacific – providing military assistance to help Ukraine. Collectively, as of September 2024, they have committed more than $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-3" /><ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-11">{{Cite web |title=Austin, Brown Reaffirm Multinational Coalition's Commitment to Ukraine |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3898244/austin-brown-reaffirm-multinational-coalitions-commitment-to-ukraine/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> Contributing UDCG countries have supplied Ukraine with air defense, armor, artillery ammunition and, recently, [[F-16 fighter jet]]s, and the group of nations has also trained thousands of Ukrainian service members in these new capabilities.<ref name="defense.gov" /><ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-11" /> During the 24th meeting of the UDCG on September 6, 2024, Austin noted: "As a percentage of [gross domestic product], a dozen of our allies actually contribute more to Ukraine's self-defense than the United States, and we continue to see impressive new security assistance commitments."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-11" /> &nbsp; &nbsp;

At an October 31, 2023 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Austin told lawmakers that supplemental aid is needed to help Ukraine continue to defend itself against Russia's ongoing aggression. He said, “Today's battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come. And only firm American leadership can ensure that tyrants, thugs and terrorists worldwide are not emboldened to commit more aggression and more atrocities.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine Defense Package Includes Missiles, Air Defense |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3579571/ukraine-defense-package-includes-missiles-air-defense |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

On November 20, 2023, Austin met with President Zelenskyy and Defense Minister [[Rustem Umerov]] during an unannounced visit to Ukraine. It was his third visit as defense secretary and second since Russia's invasion. While in Kyiv, Austin announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $100 million. The package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, antitank weapons and other materials to help Ukrainian forces defend their territory amid Russia's ongoing assault.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-3" /> On November 22, Austin hosted the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group virtually from the Pentagon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 17th Ukraine Defense Co |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3596704/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-17th-ukraine |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and National Defense University (NDU) President U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael T. Plehn at N.D.U., Washington, D.C., on December 11, 2023.jpg|thumb|Austin with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., December 11, 2023]]
On December 2, 2023, in his keynote address at the Reagan National Defense Forum held at the [[Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum]], Austin said, in part: <blockquote>We must continue to be clear to the American people about the stakes in Ukraine. Ukraine matters profoundly to America and to the entire world. And it matters for four key reasons. First, Putin’s war poses a stark and direct threat to security in Europe and beyond. Second, Putin’s aggression is a clear challenge to our NATO allies. Third, the Kremlin’s deliberate cruelty is an attack on our shared values of democracy and decency. And finally, Putin’s war is a frontal assault on the international rules-based order. So the outcome of this struggle will define global security for decades to come. And we don’t have the option of sitting it out.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-2">{{Cite web |title='A Time for American Leadership': Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3604755/a-time-for-american-leadership-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-i |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref></blockquote>

Austin went on to say: "If we do not stand up to the Kremlin’s naked aggression today, if we do not deter other would-be aggressors, we will only embolden them—and we will invite even more bloodshed and chaos. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers a grim preview of a world of tyranny and turmoil that should make us all shudder."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-2" />

On December 27, 2023, the U.S. announced an additional $250 million package to help meet Ukraine's urgent security needs. The package includes lifesaving air-defense munitions, air-defense system components, ammunition for [[M142 HIMARS|HIMARS]], anti-armor munitions, 155-millimeter and 105-millimeter artillery ammunition, and medical equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 18th Ukraine Defense Co |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3652662/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-18th-ukraine/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3652662/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-18th-ukraine/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On February 23, 2024, Austin issued a statement marking two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In it he acknowledged the work and continued commitment of the 50 countries that compose the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Since Putin started this war, this historic coalition has committed more than $87 billion in security assistance to Ukraine—including 15 U.S. allies that, as a percentage of GDP, contribute more to Ukraine's capability needs than the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Marking Two Years Since Russia's Inv |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3684952/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-marking-two-years-since-ru/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3684952/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-marking-two-years-since-ru/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 2, 2024, Austin met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Singapore on the margins of the [[Shangri-La Dialogue]] to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The two leaders pledged to further strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Vol |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3793902/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-meeting-with-ukrainian-pres/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3793902/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-meeting-with-ukrainian-pres/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 13, 2024, Austin hosted the 23rd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contract Group in Brussels, Belgium. He was joined by Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. “I am proud that this Contact Group has committed more than $98 billion dollars in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022. And this coalition continues to find innovative and sustainable ways to rush in critical capabilities to meet Ukraine's most pressing needs," Austin said.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 23rd Ukraine Defense Co |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3805429/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-23rd-ukraine/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3805429/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-23rd-ukraine/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

On June 13, 2024, President Joe Biden and President Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security pact aimed at strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself in the present while also deterring aggression in the future.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-8">{{Cite web |title=Biden, Zelenskyy Sign 10-Year Bilateral Security Agreement |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3806792/biden-zelenskyy-sign-10-year-bilateral-security-agreement/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3806792/biden-zelenskyy-sign-10-year-bilateral-security-agreement/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Per the agreement, the U.S. and Ukraine will spend the next 10 years building and maintaining Ukraine's credible defense and deterrence capability; strengthening Ukraine's capacity to sustain its fight over the long term; accelerating Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration; and consulting in the event of a future Russian armed attack against Ukraine.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-8" /> In a joint press conference at the [[G7 Summit]] in [[Fasano]], Italy, President Biden said of the agreement: “ Our goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s credible defense and deterrence capabilities for the long term.&nbsp; A lasting peace for Ukraine must be underwritten by Ukraine’s own ability to defend itself now and to deter future aggression anytime in the ... future.”<ref name="White House">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=Remarks by President Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Joint Press Conference {{!}} Fasano, Italy |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/06/13/remarks-by-president-biden-and-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-of-ukraine-in-joint-press-conference-fasano-italy/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=The White House |language=en-US}}</ref>

In his prepared remarks, President Zelenskyy said: <blockquote>Dear friends, today is a truly historic day.&nbsp; And we have signed the strongest agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. since our independence.&nbsp;And this is an agreement on security and thus on the protection of human life.&nbsp; This is an agreement on cooperation and thus on how our nations will become stronger.&nbsp; This is an agreement on steps to guarantee sustainable peace, and, therefore, it benefits everyone in the world because the Russian war against Ukraine is a real, real global threat.<ref name="White House" /></blockquote>

On September 6, 2024, Austin hosted the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, where he welcomed special guest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In his prepared remarks, Austin told Zelenskyy: "Your forces and your people have inspired the world, and you have seen firsthand how this contact group has moved heaven and earth to get Ukraine what it needs." He continued: "On behalf of everyone here, we hear your urgency, and we share it. This coalition of some 50 nations of goodwill stands united and firm; and today, we'll push even harder to step up our support for Ukraine."<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-11" /> &nbsp;

In his remarks, Zelenskyy said: "I very much appreciate [the UDCG] continuously being with [Ukraine] since the start of this war," adding that it's thanks to the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the support of the UDCG that Ukraine has been able to continue resisting Russia's aggression.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense-11" /> &nbsp;
On October 21, 2024, Austin made his fourth visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Zelenskyy and members of his leadership team in Kyiv. Austin also met with Ukraine's minister of defense Rustem Umerov, reaffirming to both the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine. According to a US defense official, during Austin's meeting with Zelenskyy, Austin emphasized the importance of Ukraine defending the territory it has taken inside Russia's [[Kursk Oblast|Kursk region]] and capitalizing on those gains, as well as fending off the Russians in the eastern Ukrainian city of [[Pokrovsk]]. They also discussed how Ukraine can shore up its manpower, as the military has struggled lately with force regeneration and recruitment.<ref name="cnn.com">{{Cite web |title=Defense Secretary Austin visits Ukraine amid Russian gains and ahead of imminent US election |website=[[CNN]] |date=October 21, 2024 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/21/politics/defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-ukraine-visit/index.html}}</ref>

During a speech delivered at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine in Kyiv, Austin stated: <blockquote>When the largest military in Europe becomes a force of aggression, the whole continent feels the shock. When a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council tries to deny self-rule to more than 40 million people, the whole world feels the blow. And when a dictator puts his imperial fantasies ahead of the rights of a free people, the whole international system feels the outrage. And so that's why nations of goodwill from every corner of the planet have seen and have risen to Ukraine's defense. And that's why the United States and our allies and partners have proudly become the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (As Delivered) |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3941283/remarks-in-kyiv-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-ukraines-fight-fo/}}</ref></blockquote>In his remarks, Austin also emphasized the importance of continued U.S. and coalition support for Ukraine:<blockquote>For anyone who thinks that American leadership is expensive — well, consider the price of American retreat,” he said. “In the face of aggression, the price of principle is always dwarfed by the cost of capitulation. Our allies and partners know that. And I’ve been proud to watch the pro-Ukraine coalition dig deep.<ref name="cnn.com" /></blockquote>

===Africa===
[[File:221213-D-TT977-0240 (52561793449).jpg|thumb|Austin at the [[United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022]]]]
[[File:Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh at the presidential palace in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti on September 24, 2023 - 230924-D-PM193-1265.jpg|thumb|Austin with Djibouti's president [[Ismaïl Omar Guelleh]], September 24, 2023]]
In September 2023, Austin made his first trip to Africa as secretary of defense. He started his tour in [[Djibouti]], home to the primary U.S. military base on the African continent, [[Camp Lemonnier]], where he met with Djibouti's president [[Ismaïl Omar Guelleh]] and Somali president [[Hassan Sheikh Mohamud]]. He then traveled to [[Kenya]], where he and Kenyan Defense Minister [[Aden Duale]] signed a five-year security agreement to support working together against their common terror threat. Austin also pledged $100 million in support of Kenyan security deployments, as Kenya prepares to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gang violence. He concluded his trip on Africa's western coast, becoming the first U.S. defense secretary to ever visit [[Angola]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=US Defense Secretary Completes First Tour Across Africa |first=Carla |last=Babb|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/us-defense-secretary-completes-first-tour-across-africa/7288232.html |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=VOA |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002154020/https://www.voanews.com/a/us-defense-secretary-completes-first-tour-across-africa/7288232.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a speech delivered at the National Archives Auditorium in [[Luanda]], Angola on September 27, Austin said:<blockquote>I'm here in Angola to strengthen that robust and equal partnership. But I'm also here to underscore an important point, and that is that Africa matters. It matters profoundly to the shape of the 21st Century world. And it matters for our common prosperity and our shared security.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense">{{Cite web |title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks at the National Archives Auditorium in Lu |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3539876/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-remarks-at-the-national-archives-audito/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3539876/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-remarks-at-the-national-archives-audito/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref></blockquote>He went on to say: <blockquote>We know that the walk to freedom can be long, and no one gets it right all of the time. You know, I love my country so much that I fought for it, but America isn't trying to cover up for our imperfections. When a democracy falls short, when it falls short of its best traditions, as we all sometimes do, the whole world gets to see it. But that's not the point. The genius of a democracy is not that it's perfect. The genius of a democracy is that it can always open up space to let its citizen strive to live the universal values of freedom and self-government and human rights. And the genius of a democracy is that it is always a work in progress, and that's personal for me. I am a child of America's segregated South. I grew up in a time of legalized and racist segregation in America, and I stand here today in Africa as America's first black secretary of defense.<ref name="U.S. Department of Defense" /></blockquote>

=== Farewell ceremony ===
[[File:Farewell ceremony.webp|thumb|Farewell ceremony in honor of Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, January 17, 2025]]
Austin was honored with a farewell ceremony hosted by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on January 17, 2025. In his farewell remarks, Austin lauded the accomplishments of the Department of Defense during his four-year tenure. He said, in part: 
[[File:Clap-out of Austin.webp|thumb|Traditional clap-out ceremony ]]
"For the past four years, we've stood up to our rivals, we've weakened our foes, strengthened our friends, invested in our future, and done right by our people. Now, that doesn't just happen. And I am incredibly grateful to the exceptional team that has changed the course of history."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Farewell Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (As Delivered) |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4033764/farewell-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-as-delivered/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

Austin received a traditional clap-out ceremony as he departed the Pentagon on his final day on January 17, 2025.

==Personal life==
Austin was raised by a devoutly [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] mother and remains practicing himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Black |first=Rick |date=March 30, 2017 |title="Perfect People": Living The West Point Ideal |url=https://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/perfect-people-living-the-west-point-ideal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027121902/https://www.westpointcoh.org/interviews/perfect-people-living-the-west-point-ideal |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=westpointcoh.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fikes|first=Robert |date=December 24, 2017 |title=Lloyd James Austin III (1953– ) |url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/austin-lloyd-james-iii-1953/ |access-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208212735/https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/austin-lloyd-james-iii-1953/ |url-status=live |website=[[BlackPast.org]]}}</ref>

{{As of|2020|December}}, Austin and his wife, Charlene Denise Banner Austin, had been married for forty years.<ref name="nomination" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene |last2=Martin |first2=Jonathan |last3=Schmitt |first3=Eric |date=December 8, 2020 |title=Biden Plans to Tap Lloyd Austin, Former Iraq Commander, as Defense Secretary |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/lloyd-austin-biden-defense-secretary.html |access-date=December 14, 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208011936/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/politics/lloyd-austin-biden-defense-secretary.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She has worked as a non-profit administrator and served on the board of the Military Family Research Institute at [[Purdue University]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin, Charlene – USA > CAPSTONE > Spouse Course Mentors |url=https://capstone.ndu.edu/Spouses/Spouse-Course-Mentors/Article/1339178/austin-charlene-usa/ |access-date=December 14, 2020 |website=capstone.ndu.edu |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208001606/https://capstone.ndu.edu/Spouses/Spouse-Course-Mentors/Article/1339178/austin-charlene-usa/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Austin has two stepsons.<ref name="nomination" /><ref name="Nobles"/>

==Awards and decorations==
[[File:United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul on 12 November 2023 - (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Austin in South Korea, 2023]]
[[File:XVIII Abn. Corps headquarters, 2009.jpg|thumb|The XVIII Airborne Corps command group returns home from [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in April 2009; Austin is in front|223x223px]]
{| style="width=100%;"
|-
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''Personal decorations'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=4|ribbon=Defense Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|type=oak|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -58px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -75px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -24px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span>
|[[Defense Distinguished Service Medal]] with four bronze [[oak leaf cluster]]s<ref name="Austin">{{Cite web|last=Austin|first=Lloyd James|title=Lloyd James Austin Awards by Date of Action|url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/88304|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115090000/https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/88304|archive-date=January 15, 2021|access-date=January 23, 2021|website=Hall of Valor Project}}</ref>
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|ribbon=Distinguished_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg|type=oak|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -65px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -49px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -33px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span>
|[[Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army)|Army Distinguished Service Medal]] with three oak leaf clusters<ref name="Austin" />
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Silver_Star_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Silver Star]]<ref name="Austin" />
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon.svg|number=1|type=oak|width=80}}
|[[Defense Superior Service Medal]] with oak leaf cluster<ref name="Austin" />
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=1|ribbon=Legion_of_Merit_ribbon.svg|width=80|type=oak}}
|[[Legion of Merit]] with oak leaf cluster<ref name="Austin" />
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Defense_Meritorious_Service_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Defense Meritorious Service Medal]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Meritorious_Service_ribbon.svg|type=oak|number=0|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -58px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -75px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -24px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span>
|[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] with four oak leaf clusters
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Joint_Service_Commendation_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Joint Service Commendation Medal]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Army_Commendation_Medal_ribbon.svg|number=5|type=oak|width=80}}
| [[Army Commendation Medal]] with silver oak leaf cluster (5 bronze oak leaf clusters)
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Army_Achievement_Medal_ribbon.svg|number=1|type=oak|width=80}}
|[[Achievement Medal|Army Achievement Medal]] with oak leaf cluster
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''Unit Awards'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Presidential_Unit_Citation_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Army Presidential Unit Citation]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Joint_Meritorious_Unit_Award_ribbon.svg|number=0|type=oak|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -58px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -41px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg|18px]]</span>
|[[Joint Meritorious Unit Award]] with two oak leaf clusters
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''State Department awards'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=USA_-_DOS_Distinguished_Service_Award.png|width=80}}
|[[Secretary's Distinguished Service Award]], [[United States Department of State|Department of State]]
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''Campaign and service medals'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=National_Defense_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg|width=80|type=service-star|number=0}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -54px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -40px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span>
|[[National Defense Service Medal]] with two bronze [[service star]]s
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Afghanistan_Campaign_ribbon.svg|type=service-star|number=1|width=80}}
|[[Afghanistan Campaign Medal]] with [[Service star|campaign star]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Iraq_Campaign_ribbon.svg|type=service-star|number=0|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -61px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -47px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -33px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span>
|[[Iraq Campaign Medal]] with three campaign stars
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Global_War_on_Terrorism_Expeditionary_ribbon.svg|width=80}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -54px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -40px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg|14px]]</span>
|[[Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal]] with two service stars
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Global_War_on_Terrorism_Service_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Humanitarian_Service_ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Humanitarian Service Medal]]
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''Service and training awards'''
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|ribbon=Army_Service_Ribbon.svg|width=80}}
|[[Army Service Ribbon]]
|-
|{{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|ribbon=Army Overseas Service Ribbon.svg|width=80|alt=}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -47px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Award numeral 3.svg|14px]]</span>
|[[Overseas Service Ribbon|Army Overseas Service Ribbon]] with bronze [[award numerals|award numeral]] 3
|}
|valign="top" |
{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="background:#ccf; text-align:center;"
| colspan=2 |'''Other accoutrements'''
|-
|[[File:Combat Action Badge.svg|130px]]
|[[Combat Action Badge]]
|-
|[[File:Expert Infantry Badge.svg|160px]]
|[[Expert Infantryman Badge]]
|-
|[[File:Ranger Tab.svg|110px]]
|[[Tabs of the United States Army|Ranger Tab]]
|-
|[[File:Master Parachutist badge (United States).svg|110px]]
|[[Parachutist Badge (United States)|Master Parachutist Badge]]
|-
|[[File:Official CENTCOM Seal.png|110px]]
|[[United States Central Command]] Badge
|-
|[[File:Joint Chiefs of Staff seal.svg|110px]]
|[[Joint Chiefs of Staff|Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge]]
|-
|[[File:United States Army Staff Identification Badge.png|120px]]
|[[Army Staff Identification Badge]]
|-
|[[File:US Army 18th Airborne Corps CSIB.png|100px]]
|[[XVIII Airborne Corps]] [[Combat Service Identification Badge]]
|-
|[[File:505 Inf Rgt DUI.png|55px]]
|[[505th Infantry Regiment (United States)|505th Infantry Regiment]] [[Distinctive Unit Insignia]]
|}
|}
*2007 inductee into the Thomasville County Sports Hall of Fame.

==Publications==
* {{cite report|last1=Austin|first1=Lloyd J.|last2=Pollack|first2=Kenneth M.|last3=Wittes|first3=Tamara Cofman|title=The Middle East in Transition|url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-middle-east-in-transition/|date=August 14, 2015|location=Washington, DC|publisher=[[Brookings Institution]]}}
* {{cite speech|last1=Austin|first1=Lloyd J.|title=Statement of General Lloyd J. Austin III, Commander, U.S. Central Command, Before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Operation Inherent Resolve|date=September 16, 2015|url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Austin_09-16-15.pdf}}

==See also==
*[[List of African-American United States Cabinet members]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== General sources ==
* {{Cite book |last1=Gordon|first1=Michael R.|author-link=Michael R. Gordon|last2=Trainor|first2=Bernard E.|author-link2=Bernard E. Trainor |date=2013|title=The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama |location=New York |publisher=Vintage Books |isbn=978-0-307-38894-0 |oclc=819383400}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite news|last1=Biden|first1=Joe|author-link=Joe Biden|date=December 8, 2020|title=Why I Chose Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/12/secretary-defense/617330/|work=[[The Atlantic]]|language=en-US}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Twitter}}
* [https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2522687/lloyd-j-austin-iii/ Biography] at the [[United States Department of Defense]]
* {{C-SPAN}}
* {{Cite news |date=1971-06-22 |title=Black Follows Ancestor to West Point Academy (Gen. Lloyd Austin III) [with photograph] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tallahassee-democrat-black-follows-ances/130965069/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |pages=7}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Offices and distinctions
|list1 =
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{{s-bef|before=[[Franklin L. Hagenbeck]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Commander of the [[10th Mountain Division]]|years=2003–2005}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Commander of the [[XVIII Airborne Corps]]|years=2006–2009}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of the [[Multi-National Corps – Iraq|Multinational Corps–Iraq]]|years=2008–2009}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Commanding General of the [[United States Forces – Iraq|United States Forces-Iraq]]|years=2010–2011}}
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}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Austin, Lloyd}}
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