Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized for bladder issue [Video]

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was taken back to the hospital on Sunday afternoon by his security detail for symptoms related to a possible bladder issue, and later transferred his responsibilities to his top deputy, the Pentagon announced.

Austin is battling prostate cancer and has been recovering from surgery over the past few months.

The Pentagon said that Austin initially had retained all the responsibilities of his post when he entered the hospital.

On his way to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Austin brought along all “unclassified and classified communication systems necessary to perform his duties,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

But the Pentagon hours later issued an update, saying that Austin had transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks just before 5 p.m. ET.

“The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified,” the Pentagon said. “We will provide additional updates …