Secretary Clinton visits Yokota during Asia trip

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Tania Bryan
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  In her first overseas trip as secretary of state, Hillary Rodham Clinton thanked troops stationed in Japan during a routine refueling stop here Feb. 22.

"We are so grateful for each and every one of you, the work that you do every single day, and to all of the men and women serving around the globe on behalf of the United States of America," Secretary Clinton said in an address to an audience of more than 350 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and family members.

"The U.S.-Japan security alliance is the cornerstone of America's defense posture in the Asia Pacific," she said. "We couldn't project that power without the men and women who serve here in Japan."

Secretary Clinton also encouraged service members to continue their work as ambassadors in Japan.

"We've had a strong, enduring alliance over the past 50 years and it's up to all of us to make sure it's just as strong in the next 50 years," she said.

Her visit to Yokota was the final stop in what she said was a productive and successful trip.

"I am very excited to have completed my first trip as secretary of state, to have represented our country, President Obama, our new administration and the values, ideals and interests that the United States of America stands for."

She admitted the U.S. has a lot of challenges ahead, but also some real opportunities. To meet those challenges, Secretary Clinton charged service members to determine the role that they hold on behalf of the country and leadership, stressing that she, "...has every confidence that when it comes to defending America's security and advancing our interests, we have nobody better than all of you."

"We have a 3-D national security: defense, diplomacy and development, and you are on the front line of defense," she said. "Thank you, and thanks to your families for the service and sacrifice. Thanks for making a difference every day."

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