Deputy Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson provided the following:
The Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work will travel to the Asia-Pacific region, Aug. 17-23, to strengthen multilateral security cooperation in the region, build more robust partnerships, and discuss ongoing efforts and regional security matters.
During the week-long trip, Work will visit Guam, Hawaii, Japan and Republic of Korea.
At each location, he will visit U.S. military bases and installations, speak with service members and civilian employees, and meet with allies and partners.
Following the direction of the Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Work is overseeing the implementation of the department's ongoing enhancements to America's military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular emphasis on U.S. posture in Guam, Japan and Korea.
Work's visit supports Hagel's commitment to the rebalance and to strengthening U.S. relationships in the Asia-Pacific with allies and partners.
This is the first time Work is traveling to the Asia-Pacific region as the deputy secretary.