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Article: SECRETARY OF DEFENSE GATES SPEAKS AT U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND CHANGE-OF-COMMAND CEREMONY
- Article from:
- US Fed News Service, Including US State News
- Article date:
- October 31, 2008
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The U.S. Department of Defense issued the text of the following speech:
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 we will continue to have a presence there, standing strong with our friends and allies.
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