Hagel Plans Trip to South Korea, Japan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will leave Sept. 28 for a weeklong overseas trip that will take him to South Korea and Japan, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

The secretary will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, participate in the 45th Security Consultative Meeting, and preside over the U.S. Forces Korea change of command ceremony, Little said. He also will visit U.S. and South Korean troops to thank them for their service and for maintaining a high degree of readiness and cooperation.

On Oct. 2, Hagel will travel to Tokyo to join Secretary of State John F. Kerry for the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee and to meet with U.S. service members stationed in Japan.

He will return to Washington on Oct. 4, Little said.