DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, November 27, 2015 — Deputy Defense Secretary Bob
Work is on a three-day trip to the Middle East and East Africa that includes
stops in Djibouti and Qatar to visit U.S. service members during the
Thanksgiving holiday and thank them for their service, Defense Department
spokesperson Navy Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson said in a statement released
today.
On Nov. 26, the deputy secretary visited Camp Lemonnier in
Djibouti and met with military leaders, including Army Maj. Gen. Mark R.
Stammer, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.
During their discussions, Work highlighted the U.S.
commitment to fighting terrorism throughout the Horn of Africa and emphasized
the importance of continued bilateral and regional cooperation with partner
nations in operations to defeat al-Shabab, Hillson said.
Camp Lemonnier is home to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of
Africa, a U.S. military headquarters that works with partner nations, coalition
forces, and interagency and governmental organizations to achieve a unified
effort in countering violent extremist groups in East Africa.
Work’s next stop was Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where he
met with U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin and Air Force Brig.
Gen. Darren James, the commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Hillson
said.
During his two-day visit to the camp, Work spoke with
service members, re-enlisted a soldier and visited Centcom forward headquarters
and the Combined Air and Space Operations Center. Throughout his visit, Work
underscored the strong partnership between the United States and Qatar in the
areas of security and defense, she said. Additionally, he expressed
appreciation for the support Qatar provides U.S. forces in the country, Hillson
said.
At each location, Work met with deployed service members and
also conveyed the appreciation of Defense Secretary Ash Carter for their
service and that of their families during this critical time, she added.
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