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380AEW Article

SECDEF thanks deployed servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Captain Ashley Walker
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited U.S. Airmen and other Coalition partners during a visit to the Middle East July 21.

The secretary met with U.S. and Coalition Airmen, host nation leaders, and other Coalition partners during his visit to the Air Expeditionary Group. This was one of many stops throughout the Middle East.

During the secretary's visit, he toured an F-16 Fighting Falcon and thanked U.S. and Coalition servicemembers for their service and dedication to defeating Daesh.

"The enemy has to be defeated," said Carter. "It will be, because the barbarians are always defeated by civilization."

The secretary conducted a multinational troop event to provide his perspective on the fight against Daesh and the global response required to deal with the global issue. He discussed the safekeeping of military personnel back in the U.S. and the partnership needed to address the fight in Iraq and Syria.

"I want to take the time to look everyone in the eye and shake your hand," Carter said. "Thank you for what you do here every day. What you and your families have scarified is not taken for granted.

One commander said he was proud to showcase the personnel and mission to the secretary.

"We take great pride in our mission and the relationships we have with our Coalition partners, said Col. L., Air Expeditionary Group commander.

We are keenly aware of how important our close air support and ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance] aircraft are to our Coalition partners. It’s always encouraging to hear those successes echoed by senior leaders."