Deputy Secretary of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson provided the following readout:
Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work traveled to Djibouti and Qatar November 25-28 to visit U.S. servicemen and women during the Thanksgiving holiday and thank them for their service.
The Deputy Secretary visited Djibouti Nov. 26 and met with military leaders, to include the Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Maj. Gen. Mark R. Stammer. During discussions, Work highlighted U.S. commitment to fighting terrorism throughout the Horn of Africa and emphasized the importance of continued bilateral and regional cooperation with our partners in operations to defeat al-Shabab. 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 visited Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar from November 26th through 27th, where he met with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin and the Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Brig. Gen. Darren James. During his visit, Work also 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. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for the support Qatar provides U.S. forces in the country.
At each location Work met with deployed service members to express Secretary Carter's and his appreciation for their service and that of their families during this critical time.