Date Time Share Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Meeting With Portuguese Minister of National Defense João Cravinho U.S. Department of Defense Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Portuguese Minister of National Defense João Cravinho to reaffirm the robust security partnership between the United States and our close NATO Ally Portugal. The Secretary congratulated Minister Cravinho on the launch of Portugal’s Atlantic Centre on May 14, in the Azores, and thanked the Minister for hosting U.S. forces at Lajes Field. Secretary Austin also noted Portugal’s productive term holding the Presidency of the European Union (EU) Council.