Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus met with Marines serving in the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan Nov. 6. "Since I took office in 2009, I've traveled more than 1.1 million miles to visit Sailors and Marines where they are forward deployed," said Mabus. "I do that so I can see first-hand your incredible accomplishments and better understand your challenges. I also use these opportunities to strengthen America's relationships with partners like Tajikistan." While in Dushanbe, Mabus attended the embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment's Marine Corps birthday ball as the guest of honor, taking the opportunity to thank the U.S. embassy's Marines for the work they do. "Around the world, brave Marines secure America's diplomatic posts and are the first faces that people see at our embassies," said Mabus. "But tonight, here in Tajikistan, we pause to honor a 240-year tradition of excellence- a tradition reserved for the few, the proud, the Marines." During his brief visit, Mabus also met with the U.S. embassy's Charge d'Affaires, Leslie Hayden, to discuss engagement between the U.S. Marine Corps and Tajikistan's Ministry of Defense. The discussion focused on further military-to-military cooperation aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region. Mabus' stop in Tajikistan is part of a multinational trip to U.S. Southern, Africa, Central and European command areas of responsibility to meet with Sailors, Marines, and military and government leaders. For more news from the Secretary of the Navy visit www.navy.mil.navy.mil/local/secnav/ or www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy.