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Serving as Secretary of Defense has been the highest honor of my life. I am deeply proud of what we have achieved, together.

When I retired after 41 years in the U.S. Army, I never imagined myself back at the Pentagon. But when President Biden asked me to step up and serve – I was deeply humbled. Serving as the Secretary of Defense for the past four years has been the greatest privilege of my life.

The American democracy is not a sprint but a relay race. And as we pass the baton, I am very proud of what we’ve achieved over the past four years.

Team 28, Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and service. - Lloyd J. Austin III

We support and defend not just the American people but also the American idea. We are not just any military. We are the United States military. We defend government of the people, by the people, and for the people—and we do not bend on matters of honor, integrity, or law.

As Secretary of Defense, I made Taking Care of People one of my top priorities. I’ve directed actions to make moves easier, help military spouses pursue their own careers, introduce universal pre-K in DoDEA schools, and expand access to affordable childcare and early childhood education. defense.gov/Spotlights/Takin…

LIVE: Chairman of @thejointstaff Air Force @GenCQBrownJr host an Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. x.com/i/broadcasts/1YqKDkggP…

President Biden always ends his speeches the same way. With the same five words. He always says, “May God protect our troops.” And @POTUS means every word—every time.

Our First Family is a military family. Mr. President, it has been an honor to serve with you. Our entire Department stands together today. We are deeply grateful for our First Family's love of our troops—and their families who serve right alongside them.

In the wake of Russia’s unjust, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I assembled an international coalition of some 50 countries to help Ukraine fight for its freedom. I'm proud of everything we accomplished to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself.

There's never been a time in history when we've asked our military to do so many things, in so many places at the same time. And you've done them all with strength and integrity. For the last time as Commander-in-Chief, thank you for your service to our nation.

Deeply honored to join @POTUS for an Armed Forces Farewell at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. On behalf of the entire Department of Defense, we are grateful for your love for our troops and salute your service to the republic that we defend.

I am pleased that Israel and Hamas have secured a ceasefire and hostage-release deal, after months of determined diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar. From @POTUS on down, we have worked tirelessly as one administration to reach this deal and this day. This deal must be implemented rigorously, but it can open a new window of hope for Israelis and Palestinians after the months of bloodshed and anguish that followed Hamas's despicable terrorist assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

We made the most sweeping upgrade to the military justice system since the creation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 1950 by equipping specially trained and independent judges with prosecutorial discretion for sexual assault and other series criminal offenses in the military.

LIVE: @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of @thejointstaff Air Force @GenCQBrownJr, host an Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of @POTUS Joe Biden at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. x.com/i/broadcasts/1zqKVYqEd…

I hosted my final meeting with the Defense Innovation Board (DIB) at the Pentagon. Over the past four years, the DIB's diverse expertise provided valuable insights to accelerate innovation at speed and scale, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

Our National Defense Strategy calls our alliances and partnerships our greatest global strategic advantage. Throughout my tenure, I’ve taken steps to work more closely than ever with my counterparts to tackle global challenges.

Over the past 4 years as Secretary of Defense, we've modernized every aspect of the Joint Force. From @DIU_x's Replicator Initiative to standing up the Chief Digital & Artificial Intelligence Office, we've accelerated the development of key defense tech & capabilities. Read more about some of our accomplishments: defense.gov/News/Releases/Re…