MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The secretary of state, the Honorable Ms. Condoleezza Rice, visited Marines here May 23 with a message from the president of the Unites States.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Rice said to a gathering of Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. Rice was joined by Mr. Alexander Downer, Australia’s minister for foreign affairs.
Rice thanked Marines and sailors for their service and sacrifice in the Global War on Terror. Marines from Camp Pendleton have deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan in tours of duty that have been crucial moments in the campaign.
“The American people support and appreciate and tremendously admire what’s being done by our uniformed men and women around the world,” Rice said in a brief interview. “The defense of freedom is the defense of America’s security.”
Rice and Downer spoke briefly with Marines and sailors before moving to a Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility. There, they witnessed Marines training in city-like landscapes, practicing the skills they will call upon in cities during upcoming deployments to Iraq.
Rice said she was impressed by Marines’ actions during the training exercise, saying it showed their determination to accomplish their mission.
“It was a tremendous demonstration of skill,” she said. “It was very professional.”
Downer echoed the sentiment, stating he was impressed in particular with the care and consideration Marines showed toward noncombatants and those who may fall victim to insurgent aggression.
“There is a lot of sensitivity to human rights,” Downer explained. “I was impressed with their compassion.”
Rice said the trip to visit Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton with Downer was poignant because just as Marines have answered the nation’s call, Australia has answered the call to stand against global terrorism.
“Whenever we’ve had to defend freedom, Australia has been by our side,” Rice added.
Rice explained that earlier in the day with Mrs. Nancy Reagan, former first lady, a treaty between the United States and Australia was called reaffirmed, restating that “an attack on one is an attack on the other.”
“We had people in the buildings on 9/11,” Downer explained. “We’ve had people killed in Bali and people killed in London. Our response is to go after them.”
“Somebody has to go after these people, and Americans shouldn’t do it alone,” Downer added. “Our determination knows no bounds.”
Downer said he and his fellow Australians were deeply grateful to Marines and sailors for leading the charge against terror.
“I’d like to thank them for the sacrifice they’re making around the world,” he said.
“We’re proud of what you’re doing,” Rice said. “The devotion to our country is something I always take away.”