Secretary of defense visits MK Air Base

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania — Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel visited Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base June 4 and 5 as a part of his 14th international trip, a broad-ranging, 12-day tour that brought him to the near and far East as well as Europe.

The secretary conducted the visit in order to see base facilities used to accommodate Soldiers returning from Afghanistan during the drawdown first-hand.

After receiving a welcome, a presentation and a situational update from base leaders, Hagel took time to thank all the service members in the small briefing room for their hard work here.

Hagel described American personnel serving at MK as “critical” to the development of an American and Romanian partnership and understanding of mutual interests as well as common challenges and opportunities. He also praised the hospitality of the Romanian people.

“You are really helping to redefine a new world order,” Hagel said. “What we do here and how we do it will have very significant consequences in the future of our world.”

The secretary met with key Romanian and U.S. leaders as well as service members during his visit. The stop also gives Hagel a chance to visit Sailors aboard a U.S. Navy ship in-port in the region and to consult with Romania’s minister of defense on ways to strengthen mutual security.

Romanian Minister of National Defense Mircea Duşa, who also participated in the briefings, thanked U.S. service members for their efforts through an interpreter.

Maj. Gen. John O’Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, also participated in the tour, meeting with service members, encouraging their efforts and thanking them for their hard work.

“Raise the bar of excellence each and every day,” O’Connor said. “We have an important mission here … but we will be ready.

“I am absolutely proud of you all,” he added. “Although the leadership may change, your job remains the same.”

Prior to the service members departing, Hagel said history is being made.

“What you are doing has never been done before … let the history books show that,” he said.

Hagel’s last scheduled stop was in Normandy, France, where he joined President Barack Obama and other world leaders for a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion of France.