Archive: Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder

Today marks my last day as @PentagonPresSec. It’s been an incredible honor to communicate on behalf of DoD & our amazing service members & DoD civilians serving worldwide. I salute & will be forever grateful to our military members and veterans for their service to our nation.

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.

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.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Ceasefire and Hostage-Release Deal Between Israel and Hamas defense.gov/News/Releases/…

Unmanned systems pose both an urgent and enduring threat to U.S. personnel, facilities, and assets overseas. That's why I established a Department-wide strategy to counter the threat of adversary unmanned systems. defense.gov/News/Releases/…

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/…

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Navy's Naming of Future Gerald R. Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers defense.gov/News/Releases/…

Watch a California National Guard Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)-equipped C-130J, from the 146th Airlift Wing, support wildland firefighting efforts by dropping a line of fire retardant on the Palisades Fire.

USNORTHCOM has activated 8x C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS to relocate to the Channel Islands in Southern California to support firefighting efforts in the LA area. Some will be operational on Jan. 10, with all ready by Jan. 12. See link for more: northcom.mil/Newsroom/Press…

As @SecDef has said many times before, Ukraine matters not just for its people, but for the principles we hold dear: sovereignty, freedom, and the rules-based international order that underpin our shared global security.

.@SecDef is at Ramstein for the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group. As he hosts his final UDCG, Secretary Austin is sending a clear message to our partners and allies: our work together must continue, because Ukraine’s fight matters to all of us.

I met with UK Secretary of State for Defence Healy in Germany ahead of today’s Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. We discussed strengthening the U.S.-UK defense partnership and highlighted the progress made over the past four years, including our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Over the past nearly three years, the United States, and our coalition of some 50 allies and partners have rallied support for Ukraine. Ukraine’s fight matters to all of us. defense.gov/Spotlights/Sup…

Good to meet with my Ukrainian counterpart Minister Umerov at Ramstein Air Base ahead of the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

Wheels up from Joint Base Andrews for my last trip to Ramstein Air Base as Secretary of Defense. I’m headed to Germany to host the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a historic coalition that has come together to help Ukraine defend its sovereign territory.

As we close out 2024, we recognize the incredible dedication of our service members and their families. Your sacrifices ensure our nation’s safety and freedom. Thank you for all you do.

.@DeptofDefense announced today additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs, to include authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority package with an estimated value of $1.25 billion. Learn more here: defense.gov/News/Releases/…

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter defense.gov/News/Releases/…

.@SecDef conducted a call today with his German counterpart, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, to discuss continuing support for Ukraine and the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group, scheduled for January. Full readout: defense.gov/News/Releases/…

Today, I spoke with @rustem_umerov to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine. We discussed developments on the battlefield and the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. The U.S. remains committed to working with Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to fight Russian aggression