Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken back to the hospital Sunday afternoon, after the secretary’s secret hospitalization in January sparked a storm of criticism. Changes were made as a result.
Austin’s security staff took him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at 2:20 p.m. Sunday for “symptoms suggestive of an emergency bladder issue,” the statement said. read. He will continue to serve, but the statement noted that Mr. Austin’s aides, top military officials, White House staff and other officials had been notified within hours, and key national security officials. It’s a significant shift from January, when most people didn’t know about Mr. Austin. absence.
There was no indication that the disease was related to Austin’s previous surgery to cure his prostate cancer or to subsequent interventions or treatments to manage complications that resulted from the surgery. (Related: US kills top terrorist leader in drone attack)
“At approximately 2:20 p.m. today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was transported by security personnel to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for evaluation for symptoms suggestive of an emergency bladder condition,” Rider said. he said in a statement. “The Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been notified. Additionally, the White House and Congress have been notified.”
Mr. Austin faced criticism from Congress and others after he went on a secret two-week stay on Dec. 22 to deal with complications from treatment for prostate cancer.
About a week after undergoing a non-invasive surgery to treat prostate cancer that was not disclosed to the president or other national security and defense officials, Austin felt nausea and severe pain in his legs and abdomen. He was then taken by ambulance to Walter Reed. . Doctors admitted him to the intensive care unit (ICU) on January 2 to treat a urinary tract infection, but he received only non-surgical treatment and never received general anesthesia.
The public learned of his hospitalization on January 5, shortly after Congress was notified, and just one day after President Biden, when an Austin aide and a senior national security official received the news. was. He resumed his full duties as Secretary of Defense on the same day.
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds kick off today by flying over Las Vegas #SuperBowlLVIII – Showcasing the pride and precision of the U.S. military and the great capabilities of the American military @usairforce.
Good luck to both teams! pic.twitter.com/joP99s13yA
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) February 11, 2024
“At this time, the Secretary maintains the functions and duties of the office. The Deputy Secretary stands ready to assume the duties and duties of the Secretary of Defense as appropriate,” Ryder said in a statement Sunday.
“Secretary Austin traveled to the hospital with unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties,” Ryder said. He promised to provide an update on Austin’s condition as soon as possible.
Mr. Austin had just returned to work at the Pentagon on January 29 after being discharged from Walter Reed on January 15 and spending several weeks recuperating at his home in Virginia. Doctors said Mr. Austin was expected to make a full recovery.
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