WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is observing the end of combat operations in Afghanistan by visiting U.S. troops at a New Jersey air base that has been a launching point for deployments and the scene of emotional returns for many service members.
Obama is going to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Monday to express gratitude to the troops ahead of the holidays. The base has also been used to send service members to West Africa to help confront the Ebola crisis.
U.S. and NATO troops closed their operational command in Afghanistan last week after 13 years of war. Some troops will remain, however, to carry out operations against Taliban and al-Qaida targets.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s office said Sunday that he will greet the president and attend his speech.
