FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julie Hasquet, Press Secretary
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will join Senator Mark Begich on a tour of Alaska's Fort Greely on Monday. Traveling back from Asia, Sec. Gates is stopping at military facilities in Alaska which will include Elmendorf Air Force Base and touring the missile defense site at Fort Greely.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Secretary Gates to get a first-hand look at our missile defense system," Sen. Begich said. "Especially now, with the escalating and unpredictable behavior of North Korea, it's vital the secretary is taking time to come to Alaska which says to me he appreciates and wants to know more about the program."

The Department of Defense in its latest budget proposal has outlined budget reductions in the overall U.S. missile defense system, which includes not moving forward with a planned expansion of the system at Fort Greely, near Delta Junction.

Sen. Begich has consistently urged Sec. Gates and other military officials to reconsider this decision as Alaska's missile defense system would play a critical role in defending the U.S. from an attack from North Korea or any other rogue nation.

The U.S. and South Korea have put their militaries on high alert as North Korea since last weekend has conducted two nuclear tests, launched five short-range missiles into the sea, and renounced the truce that has been keeping the peace between North and South Korea since 1953.

"I am pleased Secretary Gates has accepted my invitation to come to Alaska and see the missile defense system, especially so early in the administration's tenure."

Sen. Begich delivers a major address on his recent trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan at noon Monday at the Hotel Captain Cook before joining Sec. Gates on the trip to Fort Greely.

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