Panetta Meets with Afghanistan Leaders, U.S Troops

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to troops on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. Panetta thanked them for their service, dedication and bravery. The soldiers are assigned to the 172nd Infantry Brigade. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Army soldiers listen to U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to troops on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. soldiers listen to U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Forward Operation Base Sharana, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Army junior emlisted soldiers have lunch with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to the members of the diplomatic corps at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. Panetta thanked them for their service to their country and contributions to Afghanistan's progress. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to the members of the diplomatic corps at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to the members of the diplomatic corps at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • Members of the diplomatic corps at the U.S. Embassy listen to U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta shakes hands and thanks Afghan soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. Panetta thanked them for their contributions to Afghanistan's progress. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta meets with Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. During the meeting, Panetta said the United States was committed to help Afghanistan progress as a country. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta meets with Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. Panetta said the United States was committed to help Afghanistan progress as a country. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta meets with Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta walks through an honor cordon with Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. During meetings, Panetta said the United States was commited to help Afghanistan progress as a country. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta presents a Purple Heart to a soldier on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. The soldier is assigned to the 172nd Infantry Brigade. Panetta awarded 12 Purple Hearts to soldiers during his visit. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta presents a Purple Heart to a soldier on Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan, Dec. 14, 2011. The soldier is assigned to the 172nd Infantry Brigade. Panetta awarded 12 Purple Hearts to soldiers during his visit. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo