AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- With his term coming to an end, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shared some parting words with Team Aviano members during his visit here, Dec. 13, 2016.
Carter opened with a holiday greeting from him and his wife, Stephanie, who was in attendance; and proceeded to thank Team Aviano for their direct impact on the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
“Here, some of you are involved with counter-ISIL [operations] … standing strong with NATO to deter aggression, especially from Russia, and in other matters in Africa,” said Carter. “I can confirm today that we took out three of ISIL’s key leaders in the last couple of weeks,” said Carter. “These were guys linked to plots right here in Europe … with the Paris attacks.”
Carter also reaffirmed that counter-ISIL efforts are on track and the Department of Defense is seeing positive results in Mosul, Iraq and Al-Raqqa, Syria. In Mosul, Iraqi security forces, with the help of U.S. and coalition forces, are doing well and the fight is proceeding according to plan. In Syria, U.S.’s partners are working to complete the seizure of Al-Raqqa.
Carter mentioned Aviano was an important part of these efforts, and the Airmen’s efforts are greatly appreciated. In 2015, Aviano sent support equipment and 300 personnel to Turkey in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Europe has seen many new threats and challenges. With the buildup of Russia’s military forces along its western border, the U.S. has been called to provide more presence to the Baltic States. Team Aviano Airmen have been directly involved with Exercise Cold Response in Norway, BALTOPS 16 in the Baltic States, and several other exercises in Sweden, Poland and Estonia over the years.
“You are part of protecting our people … and that’s not possible without security and you provide that security,” said Carter.
After the holidays, there will be a new U.S. president and administration. Although changes are coming, Carter is confident in this transition and that the Air Force will continue to exceed expectations.
“America’s interests remain the same, we still have ISIL to fight and there is still Russia,” said Carter. “We are a tremendously innovative institution, and we are open to change, that’s one of the reasons why we are one of the finest fighting forces in the world.”
After answering questions from Airmen in attendance, Carter ended with another holiday thank you.
“From Steph and me to you … from the whole DoD family, God bless you during these holiday times,” said Carter. “We are so proud of you and you do such a fantastic job.”