Lloyd Austin

“An all-out war between Lebanese, Hezbollah and Israel would be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel.”

“Democracy is worth having, but it's something that you have to work on, you have to fight for.”

“We'll continue to stand by our allies and partners as they uphold their rights.”

“We don't seek a contentious relationship with China. Our relationship is one of competition.”

“I've been in that 'can't fail' position a lot. The first African American to be the vice chief of the Army; the first African American to command a division in combat; the first African American to command an entire theater of war.”

“We will maintain our vigorous and responsible presence across the Indo-Pacific. And we'll continue to work to ensure that no one country can assert control over shared waterways.”

“What I will focus on, and what I am focused on is the defense of this nation, and making sure that we have what's needed to be successful.”

“I've had a front row seat... at the greatest stage in our history in terms of, you know, being able to watch our troops in action, and watch the things that they will do for each other, the sacrifices they make for this country and for each other.”

“We can never forget to be grateful for those who have gone before us and sacrificed so much.”

“Putin's war of choice against Ukraine has been tragic.”

“For those enemies and adversaries outside the ranks and around the world, we need resources to match strategy, and strategy matched to policy, and policy matched to the will of the American people.”

“For years, Russian President Vladimir Putin had harassed and assaulted the independent nation-state of Ukraine.”

“We're working hand and hand with our allies and partners to strengthen a rules-based international order that advances a cause of human freedom.”

“We remain committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

“What we need is the right mix of technology, operational concepts and capabilities - all woven together in a networked way that is so credible, flexible and formidable that it will give any adversary pause.”

“America's values call us to stand by a peaceful democracy fighting for its life.”

“We can expect that the Ukrainians will continue to move forward and attempt to take back all of the territory within their - within their sovereign borders here. We will continue to support them in their efforts.”

“Iraq's enemies will continue to seek opportunities to pursue their objectives, but make no mistake: Our military forces here, and those of the Iraqi nation, remain committed to ensuring that our friends in Iraq succeed.”

“We have serious commitments around the world. And people depend on us. So, we can't afford actions and behavior that are at odds with our values; and that undermine good order and discipline; that harm or harass and otherwise violate the oath that we share, and the bonds of trust upon which we all rely.”

“I'm enormously proud of what we've accomplished together, and I'm very grateful for the Republic of Korea's partnership.”