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Rep. Eric Swalwell visited Afghanistan, UAE

August 29, 2013

It's been a travel-heavy recess for freshman Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Pleasanton.

Just weeks after his trip with a congressional delegation to Israel and the West Bank, Swalwell returned Thursday from another co-del to Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Led by Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the House Armed Service Committee's ranking Democrat, the delegation met with top U.S. military officials including Marine Four-Star General Joe Dunford, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. They were briefed on the drawdown of American troops, the transition of responsibility to the Afghanistan National Security Force and the supporting role our troops are now playing. Swalwell's office reports he also met with troops from his own 15th Congressional District, as well as local Afghan leaders and military officers.

In the UAE, the lawmakers were briefed by military and intelligence officials on the developing situation in Syria as well as the strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States.

"I was encouraged to see that the efforts of our Armed Forces have better prepared Afghan troops to play a primary security role in the region as we significantly reduce our troop levels in Afghanistan," Swalwell said in a news release issued Thursday. "I especially appreciated the opportunity to visit with our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan, including several of my constituents.

"Since being sworn-in back in January, I've been able to celebrate many troop homecomings from Afghanistan in the East Bay and also sadly have eulogized at a funeral of local hero who gave his life serving in Operation Enduring Freedom," he added. "It was an honor to visit our troops in Afghanistan to express my appreciation for their service to our country and dedication to a smooth transition of power as we step back to play a supporting role. Our troops' preparation of the Afghan Forces will help ensure that the country is never again a safe harbor and training ground for terrorists who wish to plan attacks against Americans."