VICENZA, Italy - Visits with family members of deployed Soldiers and tours of new Army facilities were top priorities for the Secretary of the Army during his recent stop at Caserma Ederle. The Honorable John McHugh spent two days at the post, headquarters for U.S. Army Africa, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and the 14th Transportation Battalion.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander of U.S. Army Africa, met McHugh upon his arrival. During a command briefing, Hogg explained U.S. Army Africa's ongoing mission to strengthen partnerships with land forces of countries within Africa, to foster security, stability and peace on the African continent. "It's a work in progress," McHugh said. "This is the Army's newest command, working with our African partners."
In May, McHugh spoke to senior military leaders from Africa during the African Land Forces Summit in Virginia. There, he spoke of facing issues together, such as combating terrorism and drug trafficking, McHugh said. "We stand with them and will work to become a productive partner and meet the challenges we collectively face," McHugh said.
After meeting U.S. Army Africa leaders, McHugh had lunch with Soldiers at the South of the Alps Dining Facility. While in Vicenza, McHugh spoke with the rear detachment elements of the 173rd ABCT, currently deployed to Afghanistan, and the 14th Transportation Battalion, deployed to Iraq. McHugh also held a roundtable discussion with leaders of the family readiness groups that support those units and had lunch with the spouses of deployed Soldiers.
Prior to his departure, McHugh toured a new health clinic and the recently-constructed middle and elementary schools at the nearby Villaggio housing area. A congressman from New York, McHugh became the 21st Secretary of the Army on Sep. 21, 2009. While in Congress, McHugh served on the House Armed Services Committee. Prior to his arrival, McHugh met with senior leaders at U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Afterward, McHugh was scheduled to visit U.S. Army Soldiers serving with Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.
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