Lloyd Austin becomes first African American U.S. defense secretary

Photo: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lloyd Austin, a retired Army general, made history on Friday by becoming America’s first Black defense secretary, arriving at the Pentagon minutes after his Senate confirmation to a busy schedule that included a call with NATO’s secretary-general.

“See you around campus,” Austin said, greeting reporters on the steps of the Pentagon.

Austin will be sworn in and immediately receive an intelligence briefing. At 2:30 pm, he will chair a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic with top Pentagon leadership, many joining virtually, the Pentagon said.