Secretary of Defense addresses bilateral audience at Yokota

Photo By Senior Airman Krystal Garrett | Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta talks to American and Japanese service members at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24. Panetta visited Yokota to thank service members for the vital role they play in maintaining the stability of the Pacific region.  

YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JAPAN

10.24.2011

Courtesy Story

374th Airlift Wing

Story by: Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta addressed approximately 200 U.S. and Japanese service members, Oct. 24, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

During his speech, Panetta thanked those who are serving and touched on many issues facing the military as well as its future endeavors throughout the world.

"The strength of America lies in the service of the men and women who serve in uniform and have put their lives on the line," said Panetta. "For all that you do, I would like to say thank you for the great service you provide."

Panetta also recognized the combined effort of Japanese and U.S. military forces in the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

"Close bonds have been forged between our troops and the Japanese in an effort to ensure that this great alliance will always be able to respond, to help the people of Japan, but also the U.S.," said Panetta.

The Defense Secretary commended the efforts of U.S. service members during the past decade, but also acknowledged the challenges ahead.

"We have to continue to confront terrorism, we have to continue to confront nuclear proliferation in Iran and North Korea, we have to continue to fight in a new battlefield called cyber, and we have to continue to deal with rising turmoil in the Middle East," said Panetta.

Panetta also addressed upcoming budget cuts, making clear the priorities that will guide his decisions in this process.

We will protect the best defense in the world and we will not hollow out this force, said Panetta.

"I'm not going to just make cuts across the board," he said. "We are going to look in areas where we can get efficiencies, where we can eliminate duplication, where we can eliminate overhead and look at all areas to make the best decisions."

Panetta went on to say, "Most importantly, I'm not going to break faith with those that serve in uniform who put their lives on the line time and time again. I commit to you that I will do everything I can to protect those benefits that were promised to you and to your families."

Though Panetta has already visited Japan on numerous occasions before, this is his first visit to Japan as the Secretary of Defense.

Following his speech, Panetta fielded several questions from the audience then shook hands with and coined each service member in attendance.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2011
• Date Posted: 10.24.2011 08:48
• Story ID: 78904
• Location: YOKOTA AIR BASE, TOKYO, JP