Hagel Travels to Afghanistan on First Trip as Defense Secretary

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel waves as he departs Joint Base Andrews, Md., March 7, 2013. Hagel began his first trip as the 24th defense secretary with travel to Afghanistan to visit U.S. troops, NATO leaders and Afghan counterparts. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel briefs the press, March 7, 2013, en route to Afghanistan to thank troops during his first trip as the 24th secretary. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel briefs the press, March 7, 2013, en route to Afghanistan to thank troops during his first trip as the 24th secretary. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrives on Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, March 8, 2013, to transload aircraft and meet with troops in the area. Hagel was en route to Afghanistan to visit U.S. troops, NATO leaders and Afghan counterparts. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel greets troops on Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, March 8, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel walks with U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, upon his arrival in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 8, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, center, walks with U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan James B. Cunningham, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, upon his arrival in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 8, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo