Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Pentagon Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced today that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has wrapped up his visit to Honolulu, Hawaii. During his time in Hawaii, Secretary Austin engaged in various diplomatic and military activities.
On Thursday, May 2, Secretary Austin held meetings with key officials from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines. He discussed important matters with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, as well as with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, focusing on deepening defense cooperation between the U.S. and these countries.
A significant event during the visit was the Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting (TDMM) involving Secretary Austin, Deputy Prime Minister Marles, and Minister Kishida of Japan. The meeting highlighted cooperative activities and the signing of a trilateral technology research and testing arrangement.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro convened a meeting to advance collaboration among the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines in promoting a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.
On Friday, May 3, Secretary Austin presided over the USINDOPACOM Change of Command ceremony in Honolulu, where he acknowledged the outgoing and incoming commanders and honored American service members in the region. He also engaged with leaders from the Freely Associated States and discussed the extension of U.S. economic assistance under the Compacts.
Secretary Austin concluded his trip with interactions with service members, expressing gratitude for their dedication to safeguarding the American people.
