Congressman Phil Gingrey this week visited the Pacific Isles and Far East as part of a ten-member congressional delegation examining U.S. military bases and strategic defense capabilities in the region.  As a delegate for the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Gingrey visited bases in Wake Island, Korea and China.

“This is an important trip,” said Gingrey while in Korea. “Our delegation is doing some fact finding over here to make sure American military bases are prepared for developing security concerns.  Over the last few years, we’ve been fighting – and winning – the war on terror.  But there are more traditional security threats that have developed as well, as hostile nations are trying to arm themselves with nuclear and other weapons.   

“I want to make sure America is protected from these threats. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure our strategic defense installations in the Pacific are strong and can work with friendly governments in the region.”

While abroad, Gingrey’s delegation is meeting with important military and government leaders, including the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, the U.S. Ambassador to Korea, and the President and Head of Foreign Affairs of the National People’s Congress of China.

“We started the trip with visits to Pearl Harbor and Wake Island,” said Gingrey.  “So many brave men fought there to protect our citizens and lead us to an ultimate victory over Japan in World War II.  These stops were a stark reminder of the importance of U.S. strategic defense. 

“Small plaques recognized the heroism of those who fought to the bitter end on both islands to defend the freedoms we have today.   Our military still fights for these freedoms every day, and I am proud that our delegation is making sure our military bases abroad are prepared for the fight.”

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