Two possibilities:
1. Someone at the Pentagon wanted to exploit a disconnect between SecDef and POTUS during a timed crisis...
-or-
2. Someone in the SecDef/Pentagon security apparatus was concerned that someone in the White House staff would exploit SecDef being down.
@Hettivong
3rd Scenario: with potus traveling Defense Secy didnt want Houti rebels, Iran, Isis, Lebanon, Russia, or any domestic fringe goups from getting any ideas
@Hettivong I don't think the two possibilities are mutually exclusive, but I'm, more aim at 2).
Or the man went in for a simple outpatient procedure and things went south for no reason. It happens and people don't worry about calling work from intensive care.
Austin is well known for being super private. I doubt he'd announce an elective surgery, he'd just take a couple of sick days and let Riker have the comm.
Just sayin it's also an option.
I'm leaning towards scenario 2. It's easier to get someone up to fuckery into the White House than in SecDef's security orbit.
It'll be interesting to see who is fired or resigns in the coming days.