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Article: U.S. Central Command change-of-command ceremony (Tampa, FL).
- Article from:
- U.S. Department of Defense Speeches
- Article date:
- October 31, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Speeches. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, U.S. Central Command Headquarters, Tampa, FL, Friday, October 31, 2008
Good morning. It's a pleasure to be here with you this morning. A special welcome to all distinguished guests, including members of the Florida congressional delegation, the governor, and leaders from the Tampa community.
I would also like to acknowledge our coalition partners and extend my gratitude to their troops and advisors serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the command's area of responsibility. The United States has had enduring interests in this AOR for many decades under presidents of both political parties. And ...