“Lloyd Austin”, United States Secretary of Defense (AP).
In a statement released by the Pentagon’s Press Secretary, Major General Pat Ryder, it was reported that US defense secretary Lloyd Austin would be away for some time as he undergoes a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and will temporarily delegate power to his deputy. According to Ryder, the issue is related to bladder problems that developed in December 2020 after his recovery from prostate cancer treatment.
Ryder explained, “This operation is considered elective and minimally invasive,” adding that the procedure is not related to his cancer diagnosis or prognosis and has had no effect on the latter.”
“The Pentagon said that before he could be restored back to full duty, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will take over.” This information came from The Pentagon through their spokesperson.
Austin has grappled with health issues since undergoing an operation last year when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Due to complications after undergoing a prostatectomy, he spent two weeks in the hospital. The decision not to inform either the president or Congress about both his illness and subsequent hospitalization led him into trouble.
“In February this year Austin returned to Walter Reed because of a bladder problem; this caused him to be admitted into intensive care for the second time during which he went under general anesthesia but without any need for surgery.” That occasion was used by Austin who received care at Walter Reed earlier this year due to bladder troubles, was admitted again and underwent anesthesiologist-administered non-surgical therapy.
According to Ryder who was also speaking on behalf of senior leadership at Pentagon, this message has been transmitted formally by Office of Communications Department at DOD into three offices including Capitol Hill and White House where they have sent copies.
