Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) led a six member bipartisan Congressional delegation on a three day visit to the United Kingdom for meetings with UK government officials and military service members.

    “The United Kingdom is a great ally of the United States, which has most recently been demonstrated by that nation’s contributions to our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We gain a great deal of insight and perspective when we meet with parliamentarians and government officials in the UK.  It was a privilege to have the opportunity to thank them for standing with us, and particularly inspiring to meet with the Royal Marines who have served in harm’s way alongside US and coalition forces,” said Skelton.

    In London, the delegation met with senior UK Ministry of Defence officials and with members of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee to discuss coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The delegation also visited the Royal College of Defence Studies for briefings on professional military education in the UK.

    At the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the delegation met with Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, and Scotland’s Minister for Europe, External Affairs, and Culture, Linda Fabiani.  The delegation also visited Her Majesty’s Naval Base Faslane, a submarine base near Glasgow, Scotland, for briefings from the Naval Base Commander and meetings with Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, many of whom have recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Accompanying Skelton as members of the delegation were Congressman John Larson (D-CT), Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA), and Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL).

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