During his three years as commander of U.S. Central Command, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III oversaw military operations “in one of the most demanding regions of the world, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and our broader counter-ISIL campaign,” President Barack Obama said of the general in a White House statement issued today.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I congratulate General Lloyd Austin on his retirement after nearly 41 years of service to our country,” Obama said. “General Austin's character and competence exemplify what America demands of its military leaders.”
'Wise Judgment, Steadfast Leadership'
The president said he had relied on Austin’s “wise judgment and steadfast leadership” to help him navigate the many challenges during the campaign to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
While serving as commander of U.S. forces in Iraq from September 2010 through the completion of Operation new Dawn in December 2011, Austin was instrumental in allowing Iraqis to take the lead for securing the future of their own country, Obama said.
“These are among his many accomplishments over a storied military career,” the president added. “I am certain that General Austin will find other ways to serve his country in retirement, and Michelle and I wish him, his wife, Charlene, and his family well as they begin another chapter of their lives.”