General Petraeus visits Manas Air Base

  • Published
  • By Maj. Damien Pickart
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan --  Manas Airmen briefly hosted Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. Central Command commander, as he arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the start of a several day visit with Kyrgyz leaders.

The visit was the general's first to Manas AB and the central Asian nation since assuming command of CENTCOM in October 2008.

While at Manas, General Petraeus received a briefing about the base's mission from Col. James Pfaff, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. He also took time to meet with Airmen and ask leaders for their thoughts and comments on improving the base.

During his visit, base leaders provided a brief tour of the base and shared with the general how the 376th AEW is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan as the premiere air mobility hub for Operation Enduring Freedom and the International Security Assistance Force. The wing also serves as a main transit point for cargo and coalition personnel passing in and out of Afghanistan.

Following the briefing, the general shared a few thoughts and comments about the base and how well it continues to support combat operations and the fight in Afghanistan.

"The reputation of the service you provide here precedes you," he said. "Everyone raves about this facility and those who run the facility, and that's you. I've never heard a discouraging word about this place."

Before departing, the commander shook hands with Manas Airmen, posed for pictures and passed along his thanks to those deployed here.

"We have a great process here supported by great people and for this I thank you," said General Petraeus.

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